Illustrative image: AFP
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and allied units of the Free Syrian Army [switched to the government side earlier] repelled a large attack by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra, the Syrian branch of al-Qaeda) in southern Syria, the Russian Center for the Reconciliation of the Opposing Sides in Syria said in a statement on June 25.
“Over the past 24 hours, in the southern de-escalation zone the militants of the Jabhat al-Nusra (terror group, outlawed in Russia) attacked the settlements, which had voluntarily switched to the legitimate government’s side. The government forces jointly with the formation of the Free Syrian Army repelled the terrorists’ offensive with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces,” the state-run news agency TASS quoted the statement.
According to the statement, pro-govenrment forces killed up to 70 militants and destroyed 3 armored vehicles and 14 pickups carrying the heavy machine guns. The Center added that there were no casualties among SAA servicemen.
The Center added that FSA members in 12 settlements switched their side and joined government forces. These settlements are Al Toubba, Khabab, Khirbat Al Msap, Jerfi, Asem, Sheikh Gharbiya, Sheikh Sharki, Al Shumariya, Hirbat az Zababir, Deir-Dama, Al Shiyakh and Jadel.
The Russian military has allegedy started preparing to deliver humanitarian aid to liberated areas in southern Syria.
Meanwhile, the SAA and the Tiger Forces entered the village of Busra al-Harir northeast of the city of Daraa. However, they have not been able to establish control of the town. If Busra al-Harir is liberated, the entire area north of it will be cut off from the rest of the militant-held part of the province of Daraa and will likely be liberated soon.
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