[AlMasdar] The Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) carried out a large number of airstrikes over several Islamist-held suburbs in eastern Damascus, Monday, hitting a multitude of targets in the process.Flying the nearby Homs Governorate, the Syrian Air Force began the day by targeting Faylaq Al-Rahman’s positions in Jobar, Zamalka, and ‘Ayn Tarma.
According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian jets were targeting the main supply lines for the Islamist rebels, while also attempting to weaken their resolve before the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launches their ground assault.
In the coming days, the Syrian Arab Army is expected to kick-off their second phase of the ‘Ayn Tarma offensive, as they look to fully expel Faylaq Al-Rahman from this strategic suburb in east Damascus.
Elite Syrian Army unit prepares for 2nd phase of east Damascus offensive
[AlMasdar] The elite 42nd Brigade of the 4th Mechanized Division is preparing to launch the second phase of the government’s east Damascus offensive, a source told Al-Masdar this afternoon.
The 42nd Brigade, also known as the Ghiath Forces, were initially set to deploy to the nearby Jobar front; however, after discussions with the army’s high command, their unit was sent to the ‘Ayn Tarma triangle.
According to a military source, the Syrian Army is set to launch another powerful attack in the ‘Ayn Tarma Triangle in the coming days, as they allow their air force to weaken the defenses of Faylaq Al-Rahman before they conduct their assault.
The main objective of the Syrian Army’s second phase will be to cutoff the highway that is used by the rebels to transport supplies between nearby suburbs.