Leader of the Jaish al-Islam Group Killed in Syria

Syrian activists and the Syrian army reported on Friday, December 25, that Zahran Alloush, the leader of the Jaish al-Islam group, was killed during an airstrike in the outskirts of Damascus. According to Reuters, opposition rebels have stated that the death of the 44-year-old Alloush dealt a significant blow to the Jaish al-Islam group in the Ghouta region east of Damascus. Defense sources told Reuters that given the presence of various and disparate opposition groups in the area, the death of the Jaish al-Islam leader creates an opportunity to strengthen Bashar al-Assad's positions in the region. Since the beginning of Russian airstrikes against opposition positions in late September, several commanders of opposition groups have been killed. Rebel sources in Syria told Reuters that at least 10 missiles were fired at the main headquarters of the Jaish al-Islam group, resulting in the deaths of Alloush and several other leaders of the group. According to the report, Jaish al-Islam is considered the most important opposition group in the area, with an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 fighters. Syrian state television also reported that in addition to the Jaish al-Islam leader, several commanders of the group, including Alloush's deputy and spokesperson, were killed. Syrian sources informed Reuters that Jaish al-Islam has introduced Hamad Abu Oidani as the new leader of the group. Labib al-Ahnas, a senior member of the Ahrar al-Sham group, stated that Alloush's martyrdom is a turning point in the history of the revolution, and rebel groups must understand that Putin's regime wants to destroy them in this war. According to Reuters, Jaish al-Islam has controlled Eastern Ghouta in Damascus since 2013, but the Syrian army has recently launched operations in the area. The report also noted that Alloush had a meeting with leaders of other groups on Friday, which was targeted in the attacks.