Jaish Alislam, the biggest rebel group in the Damascus suburbs, said they shot down a fighter jet belonging to regime forces in eastern Qalmoun area in Rural Damascus earlier today. The crew of the jet were killed as a result. The announcement came nearly 20 hours after Jaish Alislam said they had shot down a regime helicopter over eastern Ghouta on Sunday.
Jaish Alislam published videos and photos showing 9K33 Osa surface-to-air missile system used in the downing of the helicopter which was flying over the town of Albahariyah in eastern Ghouta.
Spokesman for Jaish Alislam Hamzah Bayrakdar denied claims made on Sunday by regime forces that they have captured Albahariyah. He confirmed that Jaish Alislam fighters are still holding their lines and ready to repel any attempts by regime forces to break into eastern Ghouta. Bayrakdar added that rebel and FSA fighters have been employing hit-and-run tactics against regime forces positioned in Almarj area.
Bayrakdar pointed out that at least 100 pro-regime militants have been killed or injured in the ongoing battles on the outskirts of eastern Ghouta in the last 15 days. Regime forces have also lost six tanks and armored vehicles in the battles with Jaish Alislam fighters, Bayrakdar added.
The biggest of these clashes took place on June 21 when Jaish Alislam fighters advanced on regime positions in the town of Albahariyah, inflicting heavy losses on regime forces. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Smart News)
