Jaish al-Islam has reportedly decided to participate in the Astana talks between the Syrian government and the so-called “opposition” brokered by Turkey and Russia.
According to reports, Mohammed Alloush, one of the group’s leaders, may head the delegation.
Jaish al-Islam controls waste areas in the Eastern Ghouta region and has recently faced a notable military pressure by the Syrian army. The critical military situation, especially near Hazrama, is likely behind the decision to participate in the talks.
Earlier this week, Jaish al-Islam and its allied Jabhat Fatah al-Sham units attempted to counter-attack against government forces in the areas of al-Hazrama, Bahariyeh and al-Mohammadiyeh. However, as a result of a series of clahes with the army, militants were pushed to retreat.
