Rif Dimashq offensive (September–November 2013): Difference between revisions
Content deleted Content added
No edit summary |
←Blanked the page |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{infobox military conflict |
|||
|conflict = Rif Dimashq offensive (September–November 2013) |
|||
|partof = the [[Syrian civil war]] ([[Rif Dimashq Governorate campaign]]) |
|||
|image = [[File:Rif Dimashq offensive (September 2013).svg|290px]] |
|||
|caption =Frontlines in Rif Dimashq in late November 2013''' |
|||
{{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Syrian Government control}} |
|||
{{leftlegend|#CDEBC9|Opposition control}} |
|||
{{leftlegend|#B6A25F|Contested}} |
|||
<small>For a war map of the current situation in Rif Dimashq, see [[:Template:Syrian civil war detailed map|here]].</small> |
|||
|date = 10 September – 28 November 2013<br>({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=09|day1=10|year1=2013|month2=11|day2=25|year2=2013|}}) |
|||
|place = [[Rif Dimashq Governorate|Rif Dimashq]], [[Syria]] |
|||
|coordinates = |
|||
|map_type = |
|||
|map_relief = |
|||
|latitude = |
|||
|longitude = |
|||
|map_size = |
|||
|map_marksize = |
|||
|map_caption = |
|||
|map_label = |
|||
|territory = |
|||
|result = Partial Syrian Army victory |
|||
* Government forces capture seven towns south and southeast of Damascus |
|||
* Rebels launch an offensive in an attempt to break the siege of Eastern Ghouta<ref name=scores/> |
|||
|combatant1={{flagicon image|Syria-flag 1932-58 1961-63.svg}} [[National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces|Syrian National Coalition]] |
|||
* [[Free Syrian Army]] |
|||
[[File:Flag of Jihad.svg|22px|border]] [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Offensive jihad|jihadists]] |
|||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Jabhat al-Nusra.jpg}} [[Al-Nusra Front]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Rebels fighting against al-Assad rule fragmented, disorganized in Syria |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/images/Documents/F199BC38846F4E72B083A4222B568E7F.pdf |last=Yezdani |first= İpek |newspaper=[[Hürriyet Daily News]] |date=2 September 2012 |accessdate=22 September 2012}}</ref> |
|||
* [[Syrian Islamic Front]]<ref name=Champrass>{{cite news|title=BBC Arabic: Groups affiliated to al-Qaeda carry out acts of terror |url=http://www.champress.net/index.php?q=en/Article/view/7707 |publisher=Champress |date=18 September 2012 |accessdate=21 September 2012}}</ref> |
|||
** [[Ahrar al-Sham]] |
|||
* [[Syrian Liberation Front]] |
|||
** [[Liwa Al-Islam]] |
|||
|combatant2={{flagicon|Syria}} [[Syrian Arab Republic]] |
|||
* {{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] |
|||
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the National Defense Force.svg}} [[National Defense Force (Syria)|National Defense Force]] |
|||
{{flagicon image|Flag of Hezbollah.svg}} [[Hezbollah]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/837799/syrie-larmee-et-le-hezbollah-reprennent-une-nouvelle-localite-pres-de-damas.html |title=Syrie: l'armée et le Hezbollah reprennent une nouvelle localité près de Damas - L'Orient-Le Jour |publisher=Lorientlejour.com |date=2013-10-16 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref><br> {{flagicon image|Liwa Abu al-Fadhal al-Abbas SSI.svg}} [[Liwa Abu al-Fadhal al-Abbas]]<ref name="csm11813">{{cite news|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2013/0118/Video-appears-to-show-Hezbollah-and-Iraqi-Shiites-fighting-in-Syria|title=Video appears to show Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiites fighting in Syria|last=Blanford|first=Nicholas|date=18 January 2013|publisher=Christian Science Monitor|accessdate=4 February 2013}}</ref> |
|||
|commander1= Khaled al-Haboush<br><small>(Damascus Military Council commander)</small><br>Abu Mohammad al-Golani <small>(Al-Nusra Front leader)</small> |
|||
|commander2={{flagicon|Syria}} [[Bashar Al-Assad]]<br>{{flagicon image|Syrian Armed Forces Flag.svg}} [[Issam Zahreddine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2012/10/the-civilian-committees-helping-to-keep-the-syrian-army-fighting.html |title=Civilian Brigades Are Helping Syrian Army Control Territory |publisher=Al-monitor.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-30}}</ref><br><small>(Republican Guard Brigade 104 commander)</small><br> |
|||
{{flagicon image|Flag of Hezbollah.svg}} Wissam Sharafeddine {{KIA}}<br><small>(Hezbollah commander)</small> |
|||
|units1=Unknown |
|||
|units2=[[3rd Armoured Division (Syria)|3rd Armoured Division]]<br>[[4th Armoured Division (Syria)|4th Armoured Division]]<br>4th Mechanised Division<br>10th Mechanised Division<br>11th Armoured Division<br>[[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]] |
|||
|strength1= 4,500 fighters<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.ruvr.ru/2013_01_10/Heavy-fighting-continues-in-Mliha-near-Damascus/ |title=Heavy fighting continues in Mliha near Damascus |publisher=English.ruvr.ru |date= |accessdate=2013-08-30}}</ref> |
|||
* 750–1,000 al-Nusra fighters<ref>{{cite news|title=Al-Qaeda affiliate playing larger role in Syria rebellion |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/al-qaeda-affiliate-playing-larger-role-in-syria-rebellion/2012/11/30/203d06f4-3b2e-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_blog.html |last=Ignatius |first=David |authorlink=David Ignatius |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |date=30 November 2012 |accessdate=1 December 2012}}</ref> |
|||
|strength2= 70,000 soldiers,<ref>{{cite web|last=Yacoub |first=Khaled |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/01/13/uk-syria-crisis-idUKBRE90B08F20130113 |title=Syrian forces kill 26 in bombardment east of capital - opposition |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date= |accessdate=2013-08-30}}</ref> 500 tanks |
|||
|casualties1= Unknown |
|||
|casualties2= Unknown |
|||
|casualties3= |
|||
}} |
|||
{{Campaignbox Syrian uprising}} |
|||
The '''Rif Dimashq offensive (September–November 2013)''' was a [[Syrian Army]] offensive in the Rif Dimashq Governorate, that was launched in mid-September 2013, as part of the [[Syrian civil war]]. |
|||
==Background== |
|||
Threatened by a Western intervention after the [[2013 Ghouta attacks]], the Syrian Army had repositioned in early-September. Once the threat had passed, the Army launched the new offensive against rebel positions, primarily in the southern suburbs of [[Damascus]]. |
|||
== The offensive == |
|||
=== Airport road and Sayyidah Zaynab secured === |
|||
On 10 September, the military and pro-government militiamen made a push into Barzeh in an attempt to capture the district as three air raids were conducted against the suburb. Government forces also attacked the eastern suburb of Deir Salman, near Damascus airport.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.todayonline.com/world/middle-east/syria-backs-chemical-weapons-plan-planes-bomb-damascus |title=Syria backs chemical weapons plan, planes bomb Damascus |publisher=TODAYonline |date=2013-09-10 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 14 September, Colombian journalist [[William Parra]] was shot in the leg by a rebel sniper in [[Harasta]] while covering for [[TeleSUR]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://exwebserv.telesurtv.net/secciones/archivos/ARCH242_862.pdf |title=Mercenaries injure Telesur special envoy to Syria |publisher=Exwebserv.telesurtv.net |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 19 September, the Syrian Army retook control of the strategic town of Shaba’a, near the capital, after heavy fighting. The Army also secured the road to Damascus international airport and regained control of strategic roads leading to the holy Sayyidah Zaynab mausoleum.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/09/19/324913/syria-army-continues-mopup-ops/ |title=PressTV - Syrian army continues mop-up ops: Military sources |publisher=Presstv.ir |date=2013-09-19 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1518617 |title=Army destroys rebels’ tunnels in Rif Damascus |publisher=En.alalam.ir |date=2013-09-20 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
=== Western Ghouta Army advances === |
|||
On 9 October, Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite fighters, backed up by artillery, air-strikes and tanks, attacked and captured the town of Sheikh Omar, on the southern outskirts of Damascus.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Syrian-opposition-Hezbollah-Iraqi-militia-capture-Damascus-suburb-328304 |title=Syrian opposition: Hezbollah, Iraqi militia capture Damascus suburb | JPost | Israel News |publisher=JPost |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> On 11 October, Army troops and pro-government Shia fighters captured the two southern suburbs of al-Thiabiya and Husseiniya near Damascus, killing at least 70 people.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://live.aljazeera.com/Event/Syria_Live_Blog/92582874 |title=Syrian army troops and Shia fighters loyal to Pres... - Live Blogs - Al Jazeera English |publisher=Live.aljazeera.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> The capture of the three towns, located between the two main highways leading to Jordan, strengthened the government hold on major supply lines and put more pressure on rebels under siege in the Eastern Ghouta area.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/World/2013/10/11/Syrian-army-retakes-two-Damascus-suburbs-from-rebels.aspx |title=Syrian army retakes two Damascus suburbs from rebels - activists - World | The Star Online |publisher=Thestar.com.my |date=2013-10-11 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 16 October, the Army, with the help of Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militants from the Abul Fadl al-Abbas brigade, captured the strategic town of Bweida, south of Damascus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Oct-16/234822-syria-army-hails-recapture-of-rebel-town-near-damascus.ashx#axzz2ih6NbhLN |title=Syria army hails recapture of rebel town near Damascus | News , Middle East |publisher=The Daily Star |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Oct-16/234822-syria-army-hails-recapture-of-rebel-town-near-damascus.ashx#ixzz2hvoijv1r |title=Syria army hails recapture of rebel town near Damascus | News , Middle East |publisher=The Daily Star |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 23 October, the Army sealed any remaining smuggling routes into Eastern Ghouta and intensified its blockade over the region.<ref>{{cite web|last=Solomon |first=Erika |url=http://news.yahoo.com/syrian-army-siege-east-capital-tightens-food-supplies-134739589.html |title=Syrian army siege east of capital tightens as food, supplies dwindle - Yahoo News |publisher=News.yahoo.com |date=2013-10-23 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> At this point, there were indications that the military was preparing to start a new phase of its offensive, which will target the Western Ghouta area, south of Damascus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/17398 |title=Syria’s Next Major Battle Set for West Ghouta |publisher=Al Akhbar English |date=2013-10-23 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 24 October, the military captured the town of Hatetat al-Turkman, which is located southeast of Damascus, along the Damascus International Airport road.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dziadosz |first=Alexander |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/24/us-syria-crisis-suburb-idUSBRE99N0NU20131024 |title=Syrian army seizes Damascus suburb from rebels: state TV |publisher=Reuters |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> Only hours later, some 40 al-Nusra and Liwa al-Islam rebels were killed in an ambush by the Syrian Army near the town of Otaybah, northeast of the International Airport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Oct-25/235771-syrian-media-troops-kill-40-rebels-near-damascus.ashx#axzz2hs2ziHUm |title=Syria: Troops kill 40 rebels near Damascus | News , Middle East |publisher=The Daily Star |date=2013-10-25 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://stream.wsj.com/story/latest-headlines/SS-2-63399/SS-2-364630/ |title=Syrian Troops Ambush Rebels, Killing 40—State Media - Wall Street Journal - WSJ.com |publisher=Stream.wsj.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 30 October, an operation conducted by the Syrian Red Crescent, in coordination with the Syrian authorities and the rebels, was allowed to evacuate 800 civilians from Mouadamiyat al-Sham, a rebel town besieged by the Army. A few days earlier, another operation allowed 3,000 civilians to leave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/839909/assad-refuse-les-ingerences-etrangeres-a-la-conference-de-geneve-2.html |title=Assad refuse les ingérences étrangères à la conférence de Genève-2 - L'Orient-Le Jour |publisher=Lorientlejour.com |date=2013-10-30 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 1 November, the Syrian Army, backed by Hezbollah fighters, attacked and advanced in Al-Sabinah.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/840242/israel-frappe-la-syrie-brahimi-toujours-en-quete-de-consensus-sur-geneve-2.html |title=Israël frappe la Syrie, Brahimi toujours en quête de consensus sur Genève-2 - L'Orient-Le Jour |publisher=Lorientlejour.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> The next day, the military shelled Al-Sabinah while the Army advanced in Barzeh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/840430/syrie-larmee-de-lair-bombarde-les-zones-rebelles-pres-de-damas-.html |title=Syrie : l'armée de l'air bombarde les zones rebelles près de Damas - L'Orient-Le Jour |publisher=Lorientlejour.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 7 November, the Army, backed by Hezbollah, the [[Al-Abbas brigade]] and the [[National Defense Force (Syria)|National Defense Force]], retook the key town of Al-Sabinah, south of Damascus. According to an opposition activist, military "progress on the ground without a doubt, because the regions were besieged for too long. This is normal." Opposition activist director Abdel Rahman also blamed "divisions within the rebels."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/840986/aidee-par-le-hezbollah-larmee-syrienne-reprend-une-cite-cle-pres-de-damas.html |title=Aidée par le Hezbollah, l'armée syrienne reprend une cité clé près de Damas - L'Orient-Le Jour |publisher=Lorientlejour.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 10 November, government forces launched an attack against Hejeira and A'qraba.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=11275&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpnqaMRDufU Shelling and clashes in Damascus]</ref> By the afternoon, the Army and its allies advanced in Hejeira al-Balad<ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=11286&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpnsQcRDufU 9 wounded in mortar on the Jaramana]</ref> while the military launched an attack against rebel positions in Hajar al-Aswad.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=11290&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpnsRcRDufU Shelling and clashes in the Black Stone]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=11291&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpnsR8RDufU Provide regular troops in the country cubicle Damascus Suburbs]</ref> |
|||
On 11 November, the Army made gains in Barzeh capturing large parts of the neighborhood. Army units also destroyed a tunnel which ran under the neighborhood.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ9iSU7DDtI |title=كاميرا RT ترصد تقدم الجيش السوري في حي برزة بريف دمشق |publisher=RT |date=2013-11-12 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/11/11/334186/syria-army-makes-gains-against-takfiris/ |title=PressTV - Army makes new gains against Takfiri militants across Syria |publisher=Presstv.ir |date=2013-11-11 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 12 November, it was reported by Palestinian officials that a truce had been reached to end fighting in the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp, however, clashes were still being reported. It was confirmed that PLO representatives were in Damascus to hold talks with government officials. The aim was to reach an agreement under which both the Army and rebel forces would withdraw from the camp, after which, the Syrian police would take over security in the camp, while Army checkpoints would be set up on its outskirts. Recently, government forces managed to advance a few hundred meters into the camp, but rebels were still holed up inside it. The rebel's position had become increasingly difficult in previous weeks due to the Army's advances which threatened to cut rebel supply lines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-13/237701-plo-in-damascus-for-talks-to-end-camp-siege.ashx#axzz2kWMhnwH3 |title=PLO in Damascus for talks to end camp siege | News , Middle East |publisher=The Daily Star |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 13 November, government forces captured most of Hejeira, with some pockets of resistance still remaining.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/nov/13/syrian-media-troops-capture-south-damascus-suburb/ |title=Syrian army captures suburb south of Damascus |publisher=UTSanDiego.com |date=2013-11-13 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> Rebels retreated from Hejeira to Hajar al-Aswad, losing their urban cover. However, their defenses in besieged districts closer to the heart of Damascus were still reportedly solid.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yacoub |first=Khaled |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/13/us-syria-crisis-damascus-idUSBRE9AC0IC20131113 |title=Assad's forces make further gains around Damascus |publisher=Reuters |date=2013-11-13 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 15 November, government forces captured most of Babila and Yalda, to the east of Hajar al-Aswad.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=11496&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpvercRDufU Progress of the Regime is supported by Hezbollah in southern Damascus]</ref> However, state news agency SANA reported continued fighting in Yalda on 19 November,<ref>[http://sana.sy/eng/337/2013/11/19/513100.htm]</ref> and pro-Assad Iranian news agency PressTV reported "heavy clashes" in the district on 21 November, claiming "dozens" of rebels were killed or wounded by government forces.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/11/21/335833/syrian-army-continues-operations/|title=Syrian army continues operations across country|date=21 November 2013|publisher=Press TV|accessdate=6 December 2013}}</ref> |
|||
By 16 November, more than 70 percent of Harasta was under the control of the Army.<ref>{{cite web|author=Behnegarsoft.com |url=http://www.islamtimes.org/vdccmsq112bqim8.-ya2.html |title=Syrian army pushes back militants near capital |publisher=Islam Times |date=2013-11-17 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref><ref>[http://english.irib.ir/news/political4/item/168495-syrian-army-repels-militants-near-capital ]{{dead link|date=November 2013}}</ref> The next day, according to the opposition activist group the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|SOHR]], three generals and a brigadier-general were among 31 troops killed in a bomb attack that caused a building in the Army transport base in Harasta to collapse.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blast near Damascus kills 31 troops: monitor |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-17/238118-31-troops-killed-in-blast-near-damascus-activists.ashx#axzz2k3r8IiK5|work=The Daily Star |date=17 November 2013 |accessdate= 17 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/521161-31-troops-killed-in-blast-near-damascus |title=31 troops killed in blast near Damascus |publisher=Now.mmedia.me |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> Two days later, the number of soldiers killed in the bomb blast had risen to 68.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=11686&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpntccRDufU Front victory and withdraw from the continent Taatuadbalaudh strongly and 68 dead blew Harasta]</ref> |
|||
On 22 November, government forces captured the town of Hatita in the Damascus countryside.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2013/1203/Battlefield-lessons-in-Syria-strengthen-Hezbollah-s-fighting-force Battlefield lessons in Syria strengthen Hezbollah's fighting force]</ref> |
|||
=== Eastern Ghouta rebel counter-attack === |
|||
On 22 November,<ref name=scores>{{cite web|url=http://www.haaretz.com/news/middle-east/1.559910 |title=Scores killed as rebels fight siege of Damascus suburbs - Middle East Israel News |publisher=Haaretz |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> rebel forces made an attempt to break the blockade of Eastern Ghouta by attacking the town of Otaiba<ref>{{cite web|last=Solomon |first=Erika |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/23/us-syria-crisis-oil-idUSBRE9AM03K20131123 |title=Islamist rebels capture Syria's largest oilfield: activists |publisher=Reuters |date=2013-11-23 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> and a string of military checkpoints encircling the opposition-held Damascus suburbs.<ref name=scores/> Fighting over three days killed 194 combatants. Among the dead were 115 rebels,<ref name=press/> including seven battalion commanders,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/syria-fighting-near-damascus-kills-72/1199007/ |title=Syria: Fighting near Damascus kills 160 |publisher=Indian Express |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> and 79 government fighters. 50 of the dead rebels were jihadists, while 20 of the dead pro-government fighters were members of a Shiite Iraqi group and five were Hezbollah militiamen. Seven opposition media activists were killed as well while covering the fighting.<ref name=press>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/news/syria-rebels-press-advance-around-damascus-and-aleppo_19701 |title=Syria rebels press advance around Damascus and Aleppo |publisher=Your Middle East |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
By 25 November, the rebels managed to capture several small villages and checkpoints, but the blockade was still in place. According to a military source, the rebels captured seven villages, but the Army recaptured three of them, with the opposition forces still attempting to capture Otaiba. Fighting was also continuing around the rebel-held town of Marj al-Sultan.<ref name=press/> A Hezbollah source also confirmed that the rebels captured several villages and Hezbollah positions after their units came under a human wave attack by hundreds of rebel fighters. Following the rebel advance, Hezbollah special forces from Beirut were mobilized and sent to the battle.<ref name=casualties/> The SOHR confirmed Hezbollah had sent “hundreds of fighters” to reinforces the Army in its bid to repulse the rebel assault.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabnews.com/news/483491 |title=Bomber kills 15 west of Damascus | Arab News — Saudi Arabia News, Middle East News, Opinion, Economy and more |publisher=Arabnews.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 26 November, the Army hit Marj al-Sultan with five surface-to-surface missiles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jqEsqFe51OCJpUIlQP3POWfgRalw?docId=a9ca61b7-5c29-456c-bcf9-5b3ce8d31aff&hl=en |title=AFP: Syria regime, opponents dig in ahead of talks |publisher=Google.com |date=2013-09-25 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> |
|||
On 27 November, the situation in Eastern Ghouta remained unclear. Several pro-opposition websites claimed rebel advances in the area. However, opposition media activists on the ground in Eastern Ghouta denied the claims and stated that opposition forces were still besieged. Meanwhile, 17 rebel fighters were killed in fighting in the town of Moadamiyeh in Western Ghouta.<ref>[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Nov-28/239185-battles-rage-around-damascus-jihadists-slay-rival-rebel-leader.ashx#axzz2ln9iUe3A Battles rage around Damascus, jihadists slay rival rebel leader]</ref> |
|||
On 28 November, another 11 rebels<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/11/syrian-troops-recapture-key-town-near-capital-20131128191521335983.html Syrian troops recapture key town near capital]</ref> and three Hezbollah fighters were killed in the Marj area.<ref>[http://www.skynews.com.au/world/article.aspx?id=929079 Fighting rages near Damascus]</ref> |
|||
Between 25 and 28 November, more than 135 rebel fighters and more than 85 government soldiers and militiamen were killed in the offensive, among them five members of the pro-government Iraqi group who were captured and then beheaded by jihadist fighters. The Hezbollah death toll in the clashes had reached 16 since 22 November, according to SOHR, with the overall toll for both sides at this point being around 410.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=12004&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.UpnuD8RDufU 183 died yesterday, including 137 from the regular forces and combat battalions]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=12125&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Upntx8RDufU 233 died yesterday, including 14 children and 10 women]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=12087&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Upnt2cRDufU 189 died yesterday, including 145 from the regular forces and combat battalions]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.net/index.php?option=com_news&nid=12044&Itemid=2&task=displaynews#.Upnt6sRDufU 226 died yesterday, including 171 from the regular forces and combat battalions]</ref> However, according to a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, 21–40 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in the fighting by 25 November,<ref name=casualties>{{cite web|last=Prothero |first=Mitchell |url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/11/25/209706/hezbollah-takes-casualties-in.html |title=BEIRUT: Hezbollah takes casualties in Syrian rebel offensive; peace talks set for January | Syria |publisher=McClatchy DC |date=2013-11-21 |accessdate=2013-11-27}}</ref> while Lebanese security sources said 25 Hezbollah militiamen died in the previous week,<ref>[http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/173339/ Assad forces recapture Christian town]</ref> including four who were killed during [[Battle of Qalamoun|the Army offensive in the Qalamoun mountains]].<ref>[http://www.yalibnan.com/2013/11/28/nephew-of-a-top-hezbollah-official-killed-in-syria/ Nephew of a top Hezbollah official killed in Syria]</ref> The most prominent Hezbollah commander in the Damascus countryside, Wissam Sharafeddine, was also killed.<ref name=sayyed>[http://www.yalibnan.com/2013/11/29/hezbollah-commander-sayyed-nasrallah-killed-in-syria/ Hezbollah commander ‘Sayyed Nasrallah’ Killed in Syria]</ref> |
|||
According to Lebanese media, 1,000 rebels were killed during the opposition offensive in Eastern Ghouta, including top military commanders.<ref>[http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syria-saudi-loses-battle-damascus Syria: Saudi Loses Battle for Damascus]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manartv.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=124562&frid=71&seccatid=271&cid=71&fromval=1|title= Top Commanders |
|||
General leadership of rebels command in Eastern Ghotua in statement issued today said more than 800 militant of the forces loyal to Basher al-Assad have been killed in Ghouta recent battles. http://zamanalwsl.net/en/news/2926.html |
|||
== Aftermath – Adra massacre== |
|||
{{see also|Adra massacre}} |
|||
On 11 December, the rebel Islamic Front and Al-Nusra Front groups<ref name=alawiteanddruze>[http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/12/12/syria-crisis-adra-idINDEE9BB0AR20131212 Islamists kill 15 Alawite and Druze civilians in Syria -activists]</ref> infiltrated the industrial area of the town of Adra, northeast of Damascus, attacking buildings housing workers and their families. The rebels targeted Alawites, Druse, Christians and Shiites, killing them on a sectarian basis. Some people were shot while others were beheaded.<ref name=pottsmerc>[http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20131213/syrian-troops-launch-offensive-after-dozens-killed Syrian troops launch offensive after dozens killed]</ref> The killings lasted into the next day.<ref name=alawiteanddruze/> In all some 19<ref name=pottsmerc/>–40<ref name=alawiteanddruze/> minority civilians were massacred, as the rebels captured the industrial part of Adra.<ref>[http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/173913/ Many civilians feared dead as rebels capture town near Damascus]</ref> 18 pro-government militiamen were also killed,<ref name=expel>[http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/8/89044/World/Region/Syria-army-aims-to-expel-rebels-from-town-on-road-.aspx Syria army aims to expel rebels from town on road to capital]</ref> including five [[Palestinian Liberation Army|PLA]] members.<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/syriaohr/posts/460943577347319 Summarized death toll for Wednesday 11/12/2013; 110 were killed in Syria yesterday.]</ref> Several rebels died when a Shiite man blew himself up along with them and his family after the rebels attempted to kill them.<ref name=pottsmerc/> |
|||
On 13 December, the military surrounded Adra<ref name=pottsmerc/> and started an operation to push out rebel fighters from the area,<ref name=expel/> making advances in the town during the day.<ref name=pottsmerc/> As of the next day, the operation was still continuing.<ref>[http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Dec-14/241107-syria-rebel-commander-freezes-to-death-monitor.ashx#axzz2nTHkoZHH Syria rebel commander freezes to death: activists]</ref> |
|||
By 15 December, the number of minority civilians confirmed killed in the rebel attack on Adra had risen to 32. Dozens of others were missing.<ref>[http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jIW-iRZK9LCJ409QsG2mrJtBgQqg?docId=a920f1b2-d825-43b4-b814-437a2acd7954&hl=en 36 people killed in Aleppo air raids]</ref> |
|||
==References== |
|||
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
|||
{{portal|Syrian civil war}} |
|||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rif Dimashq offensive (September- 2013)}} |
|||
[[Category:Syrian Civil War]] |
|||