In yet a new violation of the truce agreement, regime forces yesterday tried to advance on Al-Salam highway near the town of Khan al-Sheeh in southern rural Damascus, but were repelled by rebel fighters who said they inflicted losses on the attacking forces.
The area of Al-Salam Highway has lately seen a lull in the fighting after the “cessation of hostilities” agreement was announced on February 27. However, regime forces broke the truce yesterday when they tried to advance on the area aided by aerial and artillery cover.
Activists said that regime forces are employing a scorched earth policy against rebel-held areas, especially in the area of Al-Marj in eastern Ghouta. Regime forces continue attempts to advance on the area under a violent volley of artillery and rocket fire which began late yesterday.
Activists added that the regime offensive aims to link regime forces in Al-Fadaiyya area with those in the district of Bala, thus isolating the southern towns of eastern Ghouta. Rebel fighters continue to hold off the regime’s offensive on many fronts.
In northern rural Aleppo, the FSA and rebel fighters yesterday announced they expelled ISIS militants from the village of Qarah Kubri near the Turkish border after fierce clashes with elements of the terrorist group, with reports of ISIS loses. (Source: Syrian Coalition + Shaam News Network)
