Syrian army claims victory in East Ghouta

Jaysh Al-Islam – the militant force combatting the SAA – was unable to forestall the Republican Guard’s progress, which resulted in their subsequent retreat from the village. According to a military source, nearly 110 Jaysh Al-Islam militants were killed in the two week offensive and many more were reportedly wounded during the battle.

Wadi ‘Ayn Tarma and Jobar – like Al-Dakhaniyya – are on the verge of capture by the Republican Guard, as Jaysh Al-Islam continues to suffer demoralizing defeats in the East Ghouta. On Thursday, the Republican Guard fought its way to the Old Cemetery in east Jobar, capturing the bridge that links to Zamalka; this area was considered untouchable almost one year ago. In Wadi Ayn’ Tarma, the Republican Guard captured four building blocks in the eastern sector of the village, killing scores of militants in the process.

The liberation of Al-Dakhaniyya comes one day after the Syrian Arab Army’s Central Command declared the strategic village of ‘Adra under Syrian Government control. With ‘Adra and Al-Dakhaniyya captured, Jaysh Al-Islam is forced to fortify their stronghold at Douma, which is now flanked from the north and south. Jaysh Al-Islam leader, Zahran Alloush, is facing the possibility of defeat in the area he vowed to control and use as a launching point to capture the Syrian capital of Damascus.