 On 6 October, it was reported that Fuad al-Salah, the prominent leader of the 'Leopard Militia', was killed in northern Hama.On 8 October, taking advantage of rebel-infighting in the nearby Idlib province, the Army launched a counter-attack and recaptured 10 villages (including Qarah), several hills, two checkpoints and an airfield.The military continued to advance towards other nearby villages, specifically Ma'an, while a Russian air-strike directly hit a small convoy leaving Kawkab.