Advancement of Syrian Government Forces Around Damascus

Reports indicate that following clashes between opposition groups to Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian army, along with Hezbollah militants from Lebanon, captured areas in the 'Ghouta' near the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Thursday. According to the Associated Press, air and missile strikes by government forces on Thursday paved the way for the advancement of the Syrian army and Hezbollah, allowing government forces to seize vast areas in eastern Damascus. An activist from the opposition in 'Ghouta' told the Associated Press that the areas captured by government forces are mostly farms and agricultural lands. According to the report, opposition groups forced government forces to retreat from 'Ghouta' in 2012. This area is located in the eastern and southern suburbs of Damascus. In this context, Syrian state media also reported on Thursday about the advancement of government forces in the 'Eastern Ghouta' region. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, stated that government forces have taken advantage of the situation created by clashes between armed opposition groups to capture areas in Ghouta. The Observatory reported that at least 500 opposition militants have been killed during the past three weeks of fighting in Ghouta. According to the report, the group Jaish al-Islam, which controls Ghouta, has frustrated the local population and other opposition groups by enforcing strict laws. Last year, Zahran Alloush, the leader of Jaish al-Islam, was killed in an airstrike in the area. The Associated Press reported that fighting between moderate opposition and al-Qaeda-linked groups with Jaish al-Islam began last month. An activist opposing the Syrian government told the Associated Press: unfortunately, these groups have turned their weapons against each other. Islam Alloush, a spokesperson for Jaish al-Islam, also accused other groups of instigating conflict, stating that the natural outcome of such conditions is the advancement of government forces. Reports indicate that government forces captured the town of 'Deir al-Asafir' in the 'Ghouta' region during Thursday's battles. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights considers this victory one of the most significant advances for government forces this year. According to the Associated Press, Hezbollah has lost over 1,000 fighters, including several commanders, in the war in Syria.