Syrian Arab Army announces that it has withdrawn from Hama and redeployed outside of the city so as to “preserve the lives of civilians,” after extremist militants succeeded in advancing and entering despite taking heavy losses.
Statement issued by the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces:
“Over the past few days, our armed forces have fought fierce battles to repel and thwart the violent and successive attacks launched by terrorist organizations on the city of Hama from various axes and in large numbers, using all means and military equipment, and with the help of immersion groups.
Over the past few hours, with the intensification of confrontations between our soldiers and terrorist groups and the rise of a number of martyrs in the ranks of our forces, these groups were able to penetrate several axes in the city and enter it, despite suffering heavy losses in their ranks.
To preserve the lives of civilians from the people of Hama city and not to involve them in battles inside the cities, the military units stationed there have redeployed and repositioned outside the city.
The General Command of the Army and Armed Forces confirms that it will continue to carry out its national duty in reclaiming the areas entered by terrorist organizations.”