Syrian rebels have recently made major advances in areas around Damascus, liberating two more neighborhoods out of Assad forces’ control. Rebels stationed in Damascus staged their attacks from the south and were able take over the al-Hankarat and al-Matahen neighborhoods in the al-Khiyara district near al-Kaswa.
Two Syrian rebel battalions also staged attacks from three different axes, targeting Assad bases in this area. This operation is of significant importance because the rebels advanced further towards the Damascus-Deraa highwaypassing west of the city of Zakiya.
In the meantime, the rebels destroyed two tanks belonging to Assad forces east of Damascus’ Maliha district. These rebels advances came after intense battles with Assad forces and Shiite militants. For two months the Assad forces and its associated militants have been trying to push rebels out of these areas but they have failed.