New Attacks by 'Jabhat al-Nusra' and Allies Against Assad Forces in Daraa

Syrian rebels, including an al-Qaeda affiliate forming a group called 'Southern Front', have launched new attacks on the city of 'Daraa', claiming their aim is to 'cleanse' the area of forces allied with the Syrian central government. The coalition of predominantly Islamist groups in the 'Southern Front' stated in a post on social media platform Twitter that their new operation is aimed at 'cleansing Daraa province' of Bashar al-Assad's forces. According to Rami Abdulrahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights based in London, 'violent attacks began this morning (July 24) on parts of Daraa held by government forces.' Mr. Abdulrahman noted that both sides have engaged in artillery exchanges. He mentioned that rebels have attacked northern areas of Daraa but have not yet captured any buildings. Reports indicate that Abu Hadi Aboud, a key commander of the rebels, has been killed in these recent clashes. Abdulrahman stated that Aboud is the most significant rebel commander killed since the recent fighting in Daraa began in early July. Syrian army air forces have conducted at least 21 airstrikes, utilizing 32 barrel bombs in these operations. Reports indicate that barrel bombs have again claimed the lives of several civilians, with at least 13 civilians, including two children, killed due to their explosions in Daraa. The 'Jabhat al-Nusra' group and its allies largely control the provincial center of Idlib and the province itself. Assad's forces and rebels have also engaged in reciprocal attacks in Aleppo and Idlib in recent days, resulting in dozens of civilian casualties.