Syria – HTS targets Brigadier General Adi Ghosa in Suran

On 1 December 2024, the head of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (SAA) security branch in Hama, Brigadier General Adi Ghosa was targeted by a OWA FPV UAV in Suran. The event was attributed to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) drone unit. The assassination of Brigadier General Ghosa has followed the advance on Aleppo by the HTS and the escalation of violence in north-western Syria. Since the start of the offensive led by the HTS on 27 November 2024, multiple videos published online showcased the use of FPV UAVs targeting military vehicles and personnel in Aleppo, Homs and Hama Governorates.

Opposition groups aligned with HTS began their new offensive in the north-western Aleppo province, taking control of villages and a SAA military base. Hayat Tahrir al Sham is reportedly mass-producing UAVs using 3D printers in workshops based in houses and converted warehouses. The EWS Oversite database has recorded the use of COTS UAVs, including modified DJI Mavic 3, DJI FPV and fixed wing UAVs. Larger drones including a turbojet and rocket propelled model have also been used.