Islamist Rebels Set Their Sights on Damascus: Harasta and Darayya Under Attack

[Bleipriester]

This is what agreements with those "rebels" are worth: A rat´s ass.

"The Islamist rebels of Ajnad Al-Sham and Jaysh Al-Islam have recently launched two major offensives near the state capital of Damascus, targeting the formerly reconciled cities of Harasta (East Ghouta) and Darayya (West Ghouta) amid the increased violence tainting these agricultural centers of the Rif Dimashq Governorate.

Ajnad Al-Sham is primarily responsible for the recent offensive at the city of Darayya, as the aforementioned Islamist group attacked a number of Syrian Arab Army (SAA) installations around the Darayya Association Quarter last week.

Despite Ajnad Al-Sham’s initial gains, however, the Syrian Arab Army was able to recapture a number of building blocks inside the Darayya Association Quarter, leaving the two parties stuck in a tense stalemate for this city located in the West Ghouta of the Rif Dimashq Governorate.

Darayya is an imperative city; if captured by the Islamist rebel forces, they will not only have access to the city of Damascus, but also, to the strategic Mezzeh Military Airport.

On the other side of Damascus sits the city of Harasta; it was once a rebel stronghold that erupted in protests during the inception of the Syrian Conflict of 2011.


With the Syrian Arab Army’s counter-offensive successfully capturing a significant amount of territory in the East Ghouta, the city of Harasta became surrounded and was eventually agreed upon by both the rebel and NDF units to reconcile.

Fast forward to early August 2015, Jaysh Al-Islam – led by Zahran Alloush – began an operation to retake this city, even though this violated the ceasefire and reconciliation agreement they originally signed.

At first, Jaysh Al-Islam made significant gains inside Harasta, capturing a strategic building in the army compound located in the northeastern sector of the city.

Unfortunately, Jaysh Al-Islam became overconfident; they pushed too close to the National Defense Forces (NDF) stronghold to the north, resulting in a counter-offensive to recapture the lost territory.

While the Syrian Armed Forces did not recapture all of their lost territory, they did recently make progress in the Al-Ajmi District and the Vehicle Management Center inside Harasta.

Both of these battles are still ongoing and they are proving extremely violent; but, the Islamist rebel forces have made it clear that they are not interested in any truce, but rather, victory in the state capital."

Islamist Rebels Set Their Sights on Damascus: Harasta and Darayya Under Attack

 

[Bleipriester]

Foreign Rebels Killed Near Damascus Amid the Syrian Army’s Counter-Assault in Harasta

"The Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the 34th Brigade of the 1st Armored Division and the National Defense Forces (NDF) – had a productive Friday near the state capital of Damascus, as they were able to reclaim territory captured by the Islamist rebels in the cities of Harasta and Darayya.

Inside the Al-‘Ajmi District of Harasta, the Syrian Armed Forces continued their counter-assault to reclaim this area that was captured by the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam); however, the Syrian Arab Army’s attack on Friday proved to be decisive, as they were able to advance to the Water Resource Building after fierce clashes with the Islamist rebels.

Following their success at Harasta, the Syrian Republican Guard carried out a powerful assault on Jaysh Al-Islam’s defensive positions at the town of Madeira, which is located south of the rebel stronghold of Douma.


The Republican Guard assault on a Jaysh Al-Islam hideout in Madeira proved successful, as 16 enemy combatants were reportedly killed, including two militants of Libyan and Sudanese descent: “Al-Jabeeb Al-Hatmaani” (Libyan; identification pending) and Aqman Ghandour (Sudanese).

West of Damascus City, the Syrian Armed Forces reportedly captured three more building blocks inside the Darayya Association Quarter, killing 8 enemy combatants from Ajnad Al-Sham on Friday afternoon.

The Syrian Armed Forces did the most damage to the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam at the ‘Ayn Tarma-Kafr Batna axis, destroying five armored vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft machine guns and killing four enemy combatants – the latter were identified as Jihad Sa’eed, Firas Al-Fawaal, Mahmoud Al-Daaman, and Khalid Al-Dawmaani."

Foreign Rebels Killed Near Damascus Amid the Syrian Army's Counter-Assault in Harasta

 

[Bleipriester]

Islamist Offensive Near Damascus Ends in Violent Disarray

"Jaysh Al-Islam’s (Army of Islam) two week long offensive at the city of Harasta in the Rif Dimashq Governorate ended abruptly on Saturday, as the Islamist fighters sustained heavy casualties amid a fracture in their frontline positions that left them in complete disarray.

On Saturday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – continued their counter-assault inside Harasta, targeting Jaysh Al-Islam’s forces at the 5th District, Al-‘Ajmi District, and the Harasta Roundabout.

According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian Armed Forces killed 10 enemy combatants on Saturday; they were identified as the following:

1. Isma’eel Ramadan
2. ‘Umar ‘Arbash
3. ‘Aamer Salaam
4. Fadi Al-Akhras
5. Suleiman Wawiyah
6. Hatim Shehaab
7. Sa’eed Al-Dilaati
8. Kamaal Taraabishi
9. Aymen Faqa’y
10. Salah Taqtaq

To the southwest of Harasta, the Republican Guard carried out a powerful assault at the town of ‘Arbeen, killing 9 enemy combatants inside the Al-Sawa District and the nearby Jabal Al-Uthman Mosque – 4 enemy combatants were identified:

1. Nour Kawkah
2. Mohammad Al-Tayar
3. Hassan Arafat
4. Yousef Al-Zinkousi

Meanwhile at the Jaysh Al-Islam stronghold of Douma, the Syrian Armed Forces pounded the Islamist rebels at Al-Aliyah Farm, destroying two armored vehicles mounted with doshkas and killing 10 militants that were identified as the following:

1. Mustafa Al-Buweidani
2. ‘Umar Al-Na’al
3. Radwan Qashwa
4. ‘Abdel-Hadi Al-Wazeir
5. Khaled Al-Toukhi
6. Mahmoud Salaam
7. Hussam Al-Sa’eed
8. Mohammad ‘Aadl Al-Ameen
9. Bilal Nasrallah
10. Bassam Barhoush"

Islamist Offensive Near Damascus Ends in Violent Disarray

 

[Bleipriester]

Jaysh Al-Islam Restarts Harasta Offensive; SAA Attempts to Cutoff Rebel Supply Line to the East Ghouta

"On Thursday morning, the Islamist rebel group – “Jaysh Al-Islam” – renewed their offensive inside the contested town of Harasta after a two week long counter-assault by the National Defense Forces (NDF) in this area to the east of the Syrian capital.

With the Syrian Air Force grounded due to poor visibility from the weather conditions, Jaysh Al-Islam jumped at the opportunity to storm the National Defense Forces’ frontline positions near the Harasta National Hospital, where they would engage the aforementioned militia in a series of intense firefights that stretched late into the evening.

Islamist social media activists would claim they captured the Harasta National Hospital; however, Syrian military sources confirmed that the hospital is still under the control of the National Defense Forces, despite the fierce clashes still taking place at this medical facility.

Meanwhile, at the Madaya front, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – carried out a heavy assault at this town in the East Ghouta on Thursday.

The Syrian Armed Forces are attempting to cutoff the Islamist rebels last supply line to the East Ghouta; it will not be a difficult task, however, as the Jaysh Al-Islam militants cannot afford to lose Madaya.

If the Syrian Armed Forces are successful in this military endeavor, they will have officially cutoff the rebel supply routes, leaving the remaining rebel-held territory besieged from all sides."

Jaysh Al-Islam Restarts Harasta Offensive; SAA Attempts to Cutoff Rebel Supply Line to the East Ghouta

 

[Bleipriester]

Jaysh Al-Islam Attempts to Break-Out of the East Ghouta

"The Islamist rebel group “Jaysh Al-Islam” has launched a massive offensive at the towns of Tal Kurdi, ‘Adra, and Harasta in order to recapture the territory they lost to the Syrian Armed Forces last year and to break-out of the East Ghouta (collection of farms near Damascus).

Thus far, Jaysh Al-Islam and their ally from the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” have been rather successful, as they have captured a significant amount of territory near the Harasta National Hosputal and the ‘Adra Central Prison.

Meanwhile, to the north of Harasta, Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Nusra are pushing into the town of Dhahiyat Al-Assad, where they have also been successful in seizing territory from the National Defense Forces (NDF); however, they were pushed back from the imperative bridge last night,

With Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Nusra gaining ground inside Harasta and its surrounding area, the need for reinforcements became imperative for the National Defense Forces.

The Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard answered the NDF’s call for reinforcements, sending over 200 soldiers to the Harasta and Dhahiyat Al-Assad front in order to help drive back the Islamist rebel fighters from Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Nusra.

The Republican Guard has been tasked to recapture the two hills overlooking Dhahiyat Al-Assad; if recaptured, they will possess the high ground over Harasta."

Jaysh Al-Islam Attempts to Break-Out of the East Ghouta

 

[Bleipriester]

Jaysh Al-Islam Intensifies Their Assault on the Fringes of Damascus

"The recent Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam) offensive in the East Ghouta (collection of farms) has wrecked havoc on the fringes of the Syrian capital of Damascus this week, as the aforementioned Islamist group has advanced deep into the town of Harasta, while also capturing Tal Kurdi near the newly renovated ‘Adra Industrial City.

On Saturday morning, Jaysh Al-Islam broke into the Dhahiyat Al-Assad after fierce clashes with the National Defense Forces (NDF); however, their success at this area outside of Damascus City would not last long, as the reinforcements from the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard helped drive them out to the Dhahiyat Al-Assad-Harasta axis.

In addition to the fighting at Dhahiyat Al-Assad, Jaysh Al-Islam – in coordination with the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” – attempted to push into the Harasta National Hospital and Harasta Police Station; but, once again, they were unsuccessful, despite repeated attempts to infiltrate the Syrian Armed Forces’ defensive positions.

The Syrian news station “Al-Ikhbariya” reported from Talet Raas Abou Za’id after the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade recaptured this imperative hilltop overlooking the Dhahiyah – the report added that the Syrian Armed Forces have recovered positions along the Damascus-Homs International Highway following a series of intense firefights.

Meanwhile, at the Tal Kurdi front, Jaysh Al-Islam targeted the ‘Adra Central Prison in an attempt to recapture this area after conceding this territory to the Syrian Armed Forces last year."

Jaysh Al-Islam Intensifies Their Assault on the Fringes of Damascus

According to social media activists with ties to the Syrian army, 250 terrorists died in the clashes and the Syrian army and the NDF recaptued all points, "hunting the terrorists like ducks".

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Counters Jaysh Al-Islam’s Offensive East of Damascus

"The Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard has recently joined the battle for the imperative town of Harasta after spending the majority of this Islamist rebel offensive inside Jobar and ‘Ayn Tarma in the East Ghouta (collection of farms) of the Rif Dimashq Governorate.

On Monday morning, the Syrian Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – attacked the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam and the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” at the two hills overlooking Dhahiyat Al-Assad; this powerful assault resulted in the Syrian Armed Forces imposing full-control over these hilltops.

Video footage from Al-Manar would later confirm the Syrian Armed Forces’ capture of the two hills overlooking Dhahiyat Al-Assad, while also displaying the absence of firefights inside the aforementioned area.


Following their success in Dhahiyat Al-Assad, the Syrian Armed Forces stormed Jaysh Al-Islam’s positions at the ‘Adra Quarries, killing 18 enemy combatants from the aforementioned Islamist group, while also capturing this area after a two hour battle.

In addition to their capture of the ‘Adra Quarries, the Syrian Armed Forces captured the last hill overlooking the Harasta Farms; this forced the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam to retreat towards the Harasta orchards, where they were later confronted by the National Defense Forces.

Firefights have resumed on Tuesday morning, as both parties attempt to gain the upper-hand inside this rugged area near the Syrian capital of Damascus."

Syrian Army Counters Jaysh Al-Islam's Offensive East of Damascus

 

[flowery]

I am sure of one thing only ,, which is :
The terrorist Bashar al-Assad is responsible for everything that is happening in Syria
No wonder ,, he is the son of his murderer father
and he is the grandson of his murderer Grandfather

Go back to Syria's history and read more about the massacres that have been done by those killers

 

[Bleipriester]

I am sure of one thing only ,, which is :
The terrorist Bashar al-Assad is responsible for everything that is happening in Syria
No wonder ,, he is the son of his murderer father
and he is the grandson of his murderer Grandfather

Go back to Syria's history and read more about the massacres that have been done by those killers

Why are you sure of that nonsense?

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Recaptures Al-Kassarat Near the Syrian Capital

"On Sunday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) and the National Defense Forces (NDF) – advanced from the strategic hilltop of Tal Abu Zaid to the village of Al-Kassarat along the Homs-Damascus Highway, resulting in a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam).

Following a morning of non-stop firefights, the Syrian Armed Forces finally broke-through Jaysh Al-Islam’s frontline defenses at Al-Kasarat, capturing the village after the Islamist rebels found themselves surrounded along Homs-Damascus Highway in the Harasta-Dhahiyat Al-Assad area.

With the capture of Tal Abu Zaid and Al-Kassarat, the Syrian Armed Forces have now secured the Dhahiyat Al-Assad area, while also reversing much of Jaysh Al-Islam’s gains near the contested city of Harasta in the East Ghouta (collection of farms).

Meanwhile, inside Harasta, intense clashes persisted throughout the day on Sunday, as the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam attempted to infiltrate past the National Defense Forces’ frontline positions at the Harasta National Hospital and Police State.

However, the Islamist rebel fighters were unsuccessful once again, as the fierce resistance from the National Defense Forces and the relentless airstrikes proved too much for the encroaching Jaysh Al-Islam militants inside Harasta.

For the second straight week, the National Defense Forces and Jaysh Al-Islam clashed at the Adra Central Prison near Tal Kurdi-Adra axis, resulting in a high death toll for both sides involved; however, the Islamist rebel fighters were repelled before they could achieve any success."

Syrian Army Recaptures Al-Kassarat Near the Syrian Capital

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Pounds Jaysh Al-Islam in the East Ghouta: Significant Losses Near Damascus

"The Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – unleashed a series of powerful attacks on the Islamist rebel fighters of Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam), killing over 40 combatants inside the East Ghouta (collection of farms) on Monday.

The Syrian Armed Forces began their assault at the East Ghouta town of Jisreen on Monday, launching numerous attacks on Jaysh Al-Islam’s defensive positions at the Plum Orchards before they were able to break-through the aforementioned Islamist group’s frontlines.

As a result of this powerful assault, the Syrian Armed Forces captured the Plum Farms, while also killing an estimated 30 enemy combatants, including the following: Ramiz Dawoud, Ahmad Mundo, Raslaan Qaweedar, Samer Wahiba, and Akram Ka’kat.

South of the ‘Adra Industrial City, the National Defense Forces repelled another infiltration attempt by Jaysh Al-Islam on Monday, killing over 15 enemy combatants, including ‘Abdullah Al-Rawja (Yemeni), Karimo Hamami, Salim Adem, Zakarya ‘Abdel-Hadi, ‘Abdel-Rawouf Taha, Mansour Al-Samadi, and Sa’eed Al-Sa’our.

The Syrian Arab Air Force (SAAF) increased the intensity of their airstrikes above the rebel-held city of Douma, striking Jaysh Al-Islam at the Wafadeen Camp, Al-Shabis Factory, and Al-‘Aliyah Farms before the Syrian Armed Forces would participate in the battle.

Following the airstrikes from the Syrian Air Force, the Republican Guard stormed Jaysh Al-Islam’s positions at the Al-Shabis Factory, where they were able to entrench themselves in the southern perimeter of the building after a series of fierce clashes.

According to a field report, the Syrian Armed Forces killed the following enemy combatants from Jaysh Al-Islam: “Abu Malik”, Ammar Atayya, and Marwan Al-Tayar.

Elsewehre, the Syrian Armed Forces and Jaysh Al-Islam clashed at Deir Al-‘Assafeer, ‘Arbeen, ‘Ayn Tarma, and Harasta; these Islamist rebels were reportedly killed during the battles: Yassine Bashir Al-Mughrabi (Moroccan), Saleh Al-Sheikh, ‘Abdel-Ghani Saryou, Samir Al-Mawazini, Uthman Al-Abboud, Mua’tez Al-Qatayfaan, Salim ‘Arbash, and Abdel-Qader Najoum."

Syrian Army Pounds Jaysh Al-Islam in the East Ghouta: Significant Losses Near Damascus

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Recaptures Large Parts of the Harasta Industrial Area

"The recent redeployment of the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade (Republican Guard) to the contested city of Harasta has paid dividends for the SAA’s Central Command, as they have been able to reverse much of Jaysh Al-Islam’s (Army of Islam) gains inside this rural area located in the Syrian capital’s northeastern countryside.

On Wednesday morning, the Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – recaptured the strategic hills surrounding the Dhahiyat Al-Assad, securing the aforementioned Damascene suburb after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebel fighters of Jaysh Al-Islam.

Following the success at the Dhahiyat Al-Assad front, the Syrian Armed Forces advanced to the Harasta Industrial Area, where they encountered fierce resistance from the Islamist rebel fighters of Jaysh Islam; this firefight resulted in the Syrian Armed Forces recapturing many sites that were lost two weeks prior.

The Syrian Armed Forces have captured the large construction site, along with several buildings near the contested army base that sits just north of the Harasta Highway.

Currently, the Syrian Armed Forces are clashing with the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam at Tal Al-Haras; this imperative hilltop is where the contested army base sits atop of in Harasta’s Industrial Area.

If Tal Al-Haras is recaptured by the Syrian Armed Forces, the Islamist rebel fighters of Jaysh Al-Islam will be forced to retreat towards the Harasta Highway, where they will likely face-off against these same Republican Guard units."

Syrian Army Recaptures Large Parts of the Harasta Industrial Area

 

[Bleipriester]

Syrian Army Rolls Back Islamist Gains in East Damascus: Intense Assault on the East Ghouta

"On Wednesday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – continued their powerful counter-assault on the Islamist rebel forces of Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam) inside the imperative city of Harasta in order to reclaim the territory they lost during the latter’s offensive in September.

The Syrian Armed Forces began their assault at the northern suburbs of Harasta, where they launched an assault on Jaysh Al-Islam’s defensive positions; this resulted in the pro-government forces taking control of 14 building blocks from the Islamist rebels, as they continue their push towards the southern sector of this city in the Rif Dimashq Governorate’s eastern countryside.

Following their success in the northern suburbs of Harasta, the Syrian Armed Forces concentrated on the battle for the Harasta Construction Site, as they launched another assault that targeted the militants of Jaysh Al-Islam holed-up in this uninhabited area of the city.


According to a military source inside the Syrian capital of Damascus, the Syrian Armed Forces killed over 20 enemy combatants from Jaysh Al-Islam, including Ibrahim Tabawi, Ahmad Hammoud, and Yasseen Astayfu – the aforementioned were reportedly killed inside the Al-Ajami Association Quarter of Harasta.

To the south of Harasta, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade and National Defense Forces clashed with Jaysh Al-Islam at the Tayba Mosque, Teacher’s Tower, and Parliament Square of the dilapidated city of Jobar in the East Ghouta.

Inside the town of ‘Arbeen, the Syrian Armed Forces carried out an operation to destroy a Jaysh Al-Islam hideout; this resulted in the death of the following militants: Masa’ad Ali Al-Twal’eh, Waleed Hardan, Hisham Al-Khateeb, Hussein ‘Abdel-Lateef, and Aymen Al-Daqar."

Syrian Army Rolls Back Islamist Gains in East Damascus: Intense Assault on the East Ghouta

 

[Bleipriester]

Russian Air Force Strikes Damascus for the First Time as the Syrian Army Advances in the East Ghouta

"For the first time since they began their aerial campaign inside Syria, the Russian Air Force has carried out a number of airstrikes over the Syrian capital of Damascus, striking the Islamist rebels of “Jaysh Al-Islam” and “Faylaq Al-Rahman” (Al-Rahman Corps) at several sites inside the East Ghouta (collection of farms) region.

According to several field reports, the Russian Air Force carried out a number of air raids over the rebel-held Marj Al-Sultan Airbase in southeastern Damascus this weekend, hitting a weapons and ammunition depot while the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard attacked Jaysh Al-Islam inside the Al-Nushabiyah District.

The Russian airstrikes proved effective, as the Republican Guard, Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), and the National Defense Forces (NDF) took control of several building blocks inside the town of Nawlah in the al-Nushabiyah District; this assault is still ongoing, but the pro-government forces have made significant progress in the southeastern countryside of the East Ghouta.


Meanwhile, inside the contested city of Harasta, the Republican Guard and National Defense Forces continued their powerful counter-assault at the Harasta Construction Site, capturing more territory from the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam.

In addition to their success at the Harasta Construction Site, the Republican Guard and National Defense Forces took control of the northern farms after intense firefights with Jaysh Al-Islam on Saturday morning; this has paved the way for the Syrian Armed Forces to recover large chunks of territory from the Islamist rebels.

The Syrian Armed Forces have also declared control over the Duwayr Farms inside the East Ghouta after a series of fierce clashes with Jaysh Al-Islam this past weekend."

Russian Air Force Strikes Damascus for the First Time as the Syrian Army Advances in the East Ghouta

 

[Bleipriester]

Breaking: Republican Guard Forces Capture Hosh Al-‘Admil in Rural Damascus

"Moments ago, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) of Damascus City and Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – have imposed full control over the town of Hosh Al-‘Admil and its surrounding farms after a series of intense firefights with the Islamist rebels of Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam) in the East Ghouta (collection of farms) region of Damascus.

Hosh Al-‘Admil is strategically located to the south of Jaysh Al-Islam’s primary base at Marj Al-Sultan in the East Ghouta region; if the aforementioned site is captured by the Syrian Arab Army and their allies, the Islamist rebels will be forced to withdraw their forces to the imperative town of Dayr Al-Assifeer, which is located at the southern perimeter of the East Ghouta.

According to a military source inside the city of Damascus, the Syrian Arab Army and the National Defense Forces have recently targeted the Marj Al-Sultan Airport with the help of the Russian Air Force – this site is believed to be Jaysh Al-Islam’s main weapons and ammunition supply depot in the East Ghouta and a well-fortified base that houses several hundred Islamist rebels.

The firefights are still ongoing between the Syrian Arab Army and Jaysh Al-Islam at the southern axis of Marj Al-Sultan; however, the clashes have dissipated significantly since the Al-‘Admil was captured."

Breaking: Republican Guard Forces Capture Hosh Al-'Admil in Rural Damascus

 

[waltky]

Syrian rebels to leave Darayya, hand over weapons to Assad regime...

Syrian rebels to leave besieged Damascus suburb, give weapons to Assad regime
Aug. 26, 2016 -- Syrian rebel forces will leave the Damascus suburb of Darayya after agreeing to hand over their weapons to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, which will take over the besieged town.

An agreement between the rebels and Assad's regime was reached Thursday. About 700 rebels will leave Darayya to go to the city of Idlib. Families will be evacuated from the city and placed in temporary shelters in or near Damascus.

The rebel departure follows weeks of increased attacks and airstrikes by the Syrian regime, some of which activists said included napalm attacks. "The Assad regime and the armed groups in Darayya agreed on a ceasefire as an interlude to a settlement that includes evacuating civilians as of tomorrow, Friday," a member of the local council told The Guardian on Thursday. "The civilians are forced mainly to go to the regime-held areas. It is said that the families of the fighters can go with them, but nothing is confirmed yet. Tomorrow, when they come to take the first group of civilians, we will know further details."

Syria has been ravaged by a complex civil war in which the Islamic State, the Syrian government and multiple Syrian rebel groups fight for control of territory.

Darayya was one of the first towns to oppose Assad's regime more than five years ago. It became iconic in the resistance movement against Assad -- besieged for four years. "We are awaiting the heroes of Darayya, the courageous," Osama Abu Zaid, legal consultant to the Free Syrian Army, said during a radio broadcast on Thursday. "For four years Darayya was under siege and the international community did nothing ... Four years and the United Nations couldn't provide any humanitarian aid, except once."

Syrian rebels to leave besieged Damascus suburb, give weapons to Assad regime

See also:

Residents Abandon Daraya as Government Seizes a Symbol of Syria’s Rebellion
AUG. 26, 2016 — Hundreds of rebel fighters and their families left a long-besieged suburb of the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Friday, under an agreement with the government that amounted to an opposition surrender of territory and a symbolic defeat.

Carrying their belongings in suitcases and overstuffed plastic bags, residents filed out from between rows of destroyed buildings to board buses that would take them from the town of Daraya to rebel-held Idlib Province, a place about 200 miles north that few of them have ever seen. Thousands more civilians are to leave for other government-held suburbs of Damascus in the coming days under the deal that hands the town to the government. Few of Daraya’s residents hold out any hope of returning. As they prepared to evacuate Friday, residents kissed the ground and visited the graves of relatives for the last time. The scene was reminiscent of the evacuation of rebels and civilians from the old city of Homs two years ago, an area that remains largely deserted today.

Daraya, like Homs, has been a symbol of revolt since the earliest peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad in 2011: Leaders of the civilian opposition hailed from Daraya, and many of them were imprisoned, with some tortured to death while in custody. The ultimate fall of the rebellious town now symbolizes the failure of the moderate opposition rooted there and those affiliated with the early civilian protests to firmly unite fractured rebel groups. Isolated by government blockades for four years and bombarded relentlessly, Daraya stood out as a place where the main rebel groups remained under local control and not affiliated with extremist factions.

Because it lies close to a military airport and is less than two miles from downtown Damascus — and also perhaps because it represented an alternative to government authority and the rule of extremists affiliated with the Islamic State or Al Qaeda — government forces had been determined to take the town. Its fall will free up hundreds of pro-government fighters for other battles. “The regime will keep Daraya empty, dead land, as a graveyard,” said Abu Mohammad, 60, who left Daraya four years ago for the government-held suburb of Sahnaya, and asked to use his nickname for fear his family in Daraya would be subject to reprisals. On Friday, he and his wife sat glued to their television set watching coverage of the evacuation, hoping for a glimpse of four of their children, whom they have not seen since the couple fled Daraya.

Their children — two sons fighting with the local rebels and two daughters married to fighters — are leaving for Idlib, where hard-line Islamist groups wield power and government and Russian warplanes strike daily. A few blocks away in Sahnaya, a pro-government fighter who uses the nom de guerre Abu Odai exulted in the victory, saying that many young men from Sahnaya had died in the battles and that until now he had been afraid that fighters from Daraya would harm his family. Still, he asked that his real name not be used out of fear his family would be harmed and because he was speaking without authorization from his commanders.

MORE

 

[Bleipriester]

Don´t spam my threads with news I already posted. It´s enough. You can hijack my politicalforum thread for your tales of "rebels" braking the Aleppo siege.