Syrian soldiers, Illustrative image.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) deployed large reinforcements in Daraa amid reports of ongoing talks to finalize a new reconciliation agreement.
The reinforcements, which included hundreds of troops as well as heavy weapons, arrived in the southern governorate on July 23 and 24.
The newly-deployed troops were positioned in the eastern countryside of the governorate as well as in outskirts of Daraa city, mainly around the southern part known as “Daraa al-Balad”. This part of the city has been besieged by the SAA since mid-June.
القوات جاية على درعا
قوات المغاوير التابعة للفرقة الرابعة
ال٤٣ التابعة للرابعة
الفرقة الخامسة ميكا https://t.co/2cJ31zPz4y pic.twitter.com/InFfZMvT39— همام عيسى (@humam_isa) July 24, 2021
Syrian authorities have been pressuring former rebels in Daraa al-Balad to accept a new reconciliation agreement with more demands.
Damascus wants the former rebels to hand over their personal arms and wanted personnel as well as to allow search operations and the establishment of four permanent military posts inside Daraa al-Balad.
Currently, talks are ongoing between the government and Daraa al-Balad local authorities. An agreement will reportedly be reached soon.
The new demands are meant to improve security in Daraa city and its outskirts. Despite the deployment of large reinforcements, Syrian authorities will not likely opt for a security solution if a new reconciliation agreement is not reached soon enough.
Any “reconciliation agreement” is essentially a defeat for extremist elements still active in Syria. They have no legitimate claims to any territory.
Well done by the Syrian government & SAA.