Illustrative image.
Tensions continue in Daraa, despite ongoing talks between Syrian authorities and local leaders to resolve the governorate’s crisis.
On August 3, pro-opposition sources in Daraa al-Balad, the southern part of Daraa city, said that local leaders had accepted some of the authorities’ demands.
The local leaders informed the authorities that they will allow the deployment of units from the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the military intelligence in the area, but only with local fighters from the Russian-backed 8th Brigade.
Meanwhile, Syrian authorities insist that all wanted gunmen, numbered over a hundred, should be expelled from Daraa al-Balad.
On August 4, the two most wanted gunmen, Mohamad al-Masalmah “Hafu” and Moa’ed Harfouche, appeared in a video confirming that they had left Daraa al-Balad. Nevertheless, they still in the governorate.
In the last few days, Daraa gunmen attempted to pressure Syrian authorities by blowing up at least two former posts of the SAA and the intelligence.
The posts were among dozens of positions which were recently evacuated by Syrian service members as a protective measure. The SAA continues to redeploy its troops in the governorate to well-fortified, heavily-armed positions.
Despite the lack of any real progress in Daraa al-Balad talks, the chances of the SAA launching an attack on the area are getting slimmer. Local leaders are now more willing to make concessions than before.
Good progress for the Syrian government.
“Syrian authorities insist that all wanted gunmen, numbered over a hundred, should be expelled from Daraa al-Balad”
Easy work for Syrian special forces, and their allies.
“Former” rebels?
Don’t sound all that former to me if they’re blowing up SAA property.