Syrian War news

Reports today from three sites:

1. Al Masdar News, August 18, 12:35 AM Syria time: 

Syrian Army within 1 km of Khan Sheikhoun after new advance

2. SouthFront August 18 (see site for map):

SYRIAN ARMY MOVES TO ENCIRCLE KHAN [SHEIKHOUN], CAPTURES HILLTOP

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) captured early on August 18 several large farms west and northwest of Khan Shaykhun in a move aimed at encircling the key town.

According to pro-government sources, the SAA secured the farms of Nijm, Nisr and al-Safar which are located 1,5-1km away from Khan Shaykhun in southern Idlib.

Meanwhile, the army continued its advance northwest of Khan Shaykhun imposing control of the al-Nar hill, one of the highest points in the region. The hill was reportedly captured following heavy clashes with Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its allies.

By expanding its control in Khan Shaykhun’s outskirts and capturing al-Nar hill, the SAA managed to cut the militant’s supply lines west of the town. The army also made a huge step towards the Damascus-Aleppo highway.

The SAA will likely advance further around Khan Shaykhun in the upcoming few hours. Russian and Syrian warplanes are now pounding the remaining militants’ positions inside the town.

[END REPORT]

3. Syrian War headlines from FARS "most visited" links August 18. Note report re Turkey's attempt to prevent the liberation of Khan Sheikhoun:

• Idlib: Syrian Army Tightens Noose on Terrorists in Khan Sheikhoun
• Washington Playing with Turks, Kurds in Euphrates
• SDF’s Arab Militias Retreat from Military Points in Deir Ezzur after Wide Differences with Kurds
• Idlib: Most Important Belarus Commander, Trainer of Tahrir Al-Sham’s Elite Forces, Killed in Syrian Army Operations
• Ankara Attempting to Prevent Collapse of Khan Sheikhoun
• Syria in Last 24 Hours: Syrian Air Defense Destroys Intruding Missiles Targeting Hama
• Syrian Army at Gates of Foreign Terrorists' Largest Stronghold in Lattakia

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