Syrian firefighting units, backed by Turkish, Jordanian, and Lebanese teams, are battling to contain widespread wildfires in the northern countryside of Latakia for a fifth straight day, amid soaring temperatures, high winds, and challenging terrain.

Syrian Civil Defense Director Kafi Kayyal said crews are making progress in containing key hotspots but warned that flames are advancing dangerously close to Kassab, a strategic town near the Turkish border. The affected areas include Ras al-Basit and Rabi'a, where firefighting teams are racing to prevent further spread.

Kayyal noted that coordination is ongoing between all civil and military parties, with ground units, aircraft, and equipment working under emergency conditions.

Cross-Border Support and Heavy Losses

Turkey and Jordan have dispatched firefighting teams and aircraft to support operations in the mountainous Jabal Turkman and Foronlaq forest, where dense vegetation and fast winds have made suppression difficult. Lebanon has also contributed two firefighting helicopters, set to begin work immediately.

Officials say more than 10,000 hectares of woodland have been destroyed so far. The blazes are being described as the worst wildfire crisis in Latakia in recent memory, fueled by extreme weather and aggravated by minefields and remnants of war scattered across the area.

ing helicopters , set to begin work immediately.

Challenging Terrain and Coordination Hurdles

Fire crews continue to struggle with steep topography, dry underbrush, and the absence of protective firebreaks. The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management said it has deployed over 80 firefighting teams and 180 vehicles and support units, working around the clock.

Heavy smoke and poor visibility have complicated efforts, while local residents and volunteers have joined efforts to keep the flames from reaching populated zones.

Authorities hope that weather conditions will improve in the coming hours, allowing them to further contain the fires and prevent additional displacement or property damage.