Illustrative image: EPA-EFE/YOUSSEF BADAWI
Militants in 11 settlements in southern Syria have surrendered to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on June 24.
These settlements are Khabab, Khirbat Al Msap, Jerfi, Asem, Sheikh Gharbiya, Sheikh Sharki, Al Shumariya, Hirbat az Zababir, Deir-Dama, Al Shiyakh and Jadal.
The defense ministry added that by the end of June 23 these settlements had been under full control of the SAA. Militants in these areas joined government forces to combat terrorists of Jabhat al-Nusra (now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) and ISIS.
According to some sources the number of the former members of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) – a general brand used by non-ISIS and non-Nusra groups – that joined the SAA is about 900.
Earlier, the Russian military claimed that about 1,000 members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham attacked positions of government forces at Dama and Deir-Dama in the province of Daraa. The attack was reportedly repelled. 5 Syrian troops were killed and 19 others were injured.
