First Battle of Idlib

First Battle of Idlib
Part of the Idlib Governorate clashes (September 2011–March 2012) and the Early insurgency phase of the Syrian Civil War
Date 10–13 March 2012 Location Idlib city, Idlib Governorate, Syria Result Syrian Army victory
Belligerents
Syrian National Council Free Syrian Army Syrian Liberation Army Ahrar ash-Sham	Syrian Arab Republic Syrian Army
Commanders and leaders
Abdul-Rahman al-Souri (Ahrar ash-Sham)	Unknown
Units involved
Unknown	12th Armoured Brigade 45th Army Regiment
Strength
1,000-1,300 fighters, 2 tanks (opposition claim)	1,200 soldiers, 42 tanks
Casualties and losses
36– 52 killed, 130 captured	7 killed
100+ killed in total
Location within Syria

Syrian National Council

Syrian Arab Republic

The First Battle of Idlib was a battle that was fought in the city of Idlib, located in the north of Syria, starting on 10 March 2012. The battle took place in a province considered a stronghold of the armed opposition to the Syrian government and was fought in the wider context of the Syrian Army trying to retake several rebel strongholds. After three days of fighting, the Syrian Army recaptured the city.

Prior to the battle, there were months of clashes around Idlib which had seen the rebels taking over the city.

As early as 12 February, it was reported that the opposition forces within the city of Idlib were under preparations for the "inevitable attack" by Syrian Army troops.

The Syrian Revolution General Commission reported that 54 people were killed by security force gunfire across Syria on 15 February, with most of the deaths in Idlib. The LCC put the number of deaths in Idlib at 11 fatalities. Chinese media reported photos of Idlib residents escaping a tank attack on the city.

On 16 February, Russian sources reported that several of the Idlib neighbourhoods fell under the control of armed groups who were looting government buildings and private offices. The LCC reported that a massacre took place in the city, with 38 people killed, most in the Muhameel, allegedly executed by Syrian Army. Heavy tank fire was also reported in the area. Several days later, FSA gunmen killed a state prosecutor and a judge.