Syrian rebels advance on Assad heartland

The insurgent advance into the Sahl al-Ghab plain has brought rebels to the eastern edge of mountains that form the historical heartland of President Assad’s Alawite sect
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SYRIA

Aug 12: 48-hour ceasefire agreed between rebels and pro-Assad forces in regime-held towns

Alawite majority

Syrian regime control

Rebel control

Mediterranean Sea

Qardaha: Assad’s ancestral village

Rebels using wire-guided anti-tank (TOW) missiles supplied in large numbers by allied regional powers since March
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TURKEY SYRIA IDLIB PROVINCE Kefraya Idlib Foua Jisr al-Shughur al-Ziyara Bahsa  AL LADHIQIYAH PROVINCE Jabal an Nusayriyah TARTUS PROVINCE Sahl al-Ghab plain HAMA PROVINCE Hama Latakia 

To Aleppo

10km 6 miles

Advance of rebel alliance Army of Conquest in last two weeks

Joreen: Syrian troops retreat to army base
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U.S.-made TOW Range: 3,000-3,750m Penetration: Up to 800mm
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Source: GlobalSecurity
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