The Jund al-Aqsa rebel group initiated a large-scale offensive in the northern part of Hama province on 28 November 2015.

[3] A few days later, on 2 December, the Army of Conquest Islamist rebel coalition launched a new assault towards Ma’an, but their attack was reportedly disrupted after they were ambushed at the Morek Hills by the 87th Brigade of the 11th Tank Division.

[9] On 13 December, Jund al-Aqsa renewed their offensive, attacking Ma’sasineh, Al-Buwaydah and Markabat.

[10] The following day, the rebels seized the villages of Al-Buwaydah and Ma’sasineh, as well as the Al-Zulaqiyat and Zalin checkpoints ("Jabal ash-Shir").

However, following the arrival of military reinforcements, the Army recaptured both villages and the Zalin checkpoint, with the rebel offensive stalling thereafter.