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Debate at the Security Council as Fighting Continues North of Hama
Clashes continue between opposition factions and Syrian regime forces on the outskirts of Hama city. The Military Operations Administration has managed to seize control of Tal Nazariyah north of Hama after fighting with regime forces. A wide-ranging attack was launched in Hama province as part of the "Deterrence of Aggression" operation, where the factions made noticeable progress on the ground, managing to take control of several strategic towns and villages, including Khattab, Rahbat al-Taslih, Mareshuhur, Taybat al-Imam, and Halfaya.
The Military Operations Administration announced the successful capture of the 87th Brigade affiliated with the Syrian regime, which is located on the outskirts of Hama city. They also took full control of strategic Mount Kafra.
According to sources for Syria TV, regime forces withdrew from several positions in Hama city towards Salamiyah, leaving the city almost empty of troops. The regime also withdrew funds and documents from banks in Hama city and closed exchange offices.
The Military Operations Administration confirmed that the goal of the "Deterrence of Aggression" operation is to "secure the return of displaced persons, end the rule of corruption and tyranny, and build a new Syria that houses all its children." It also called on remaining regime forces in Aleppo to review their situations for settlement.
Russia and the United States clashed at the United Nations today, Tuesday, with each accusing the other of supporting "terrorism" during a Security Council meeting convened due to the sudden escalation in Syria.
Robert Wood, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the UN, called for de-escalation in fighting in Syria and protecting civilians. He expressed concern that the attack was led by "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham."
Wood accused regime forces and Russia of causing civilian casualties in attacks on schools and hospitals, saying that "the reality of the United States and the UN labeling Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization does not justify the further atrocities committed by the Assad regime and its Russian backers."
In statements directed at Wood, Russian Ambassador to the UN Vasily Nebenzya said, "You do not have the courage to denounce the clear terrorist attack on peaceful civilians in peaceful Syrian cities."
Wood responded, accusing Nebenzya of "not being in a position to lecture us on this issue" because Moscow "supports regimes that sponsor terrorism around the world."
He added, "The United States has fought the scourge of terrorism for decades and will continue to do so."
In a related context, the UN called for ensuring the protection of civilians and infrastructure in northern Syria, noting that the past two days have been the most violent in the region since the escalation of the conflict.
Turkish Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Serin Ozturk, regarded the "conflict in Syria as a stark reminder of the costs of international inaction," emphasizing the need to "revitalize the political process, led and owned by Syrians, facilitated by the UN."
In statements during the Security Council session on Syria, Ozturk said that "amid a broader regional instability, Turkey urges de-escalation and civilian protection and stands ready to work towards a credible political process," adding that "without a genuine process of national reconciliation, the country will remain trapped in a cycle of violence, instability, and suffering."
Qatar confirmed that it is working with regional partners to find solutions to end hostilities in Syria, stressing that a political solution is the only way to resolve the crisis of the Syrian people.
