Syrian soldiers in Tel Rifaat city, Illustrative image
On October 19, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) deployed troops near the village of al-Jubailia in the western countryside of Daraa.
According to local sources in the southern Syrian governorate, a unit from the army’s 112nd Brigade established a position on the eastern entrance of the village.
The deployment came just two days after a terrorist attack that took place on road linking al-Jubailia with the nearby town of Nawa. A supply truck of the SAA was targeted with an improvised explosive device as it was passing on the road. As a result, a service member was killed and two others, including an officer, were wounded.
Al-Jubailia and Nawa are located a few kilometers away from the town of Jasim, where a security operation against ISIS cells is currently taking place. More than 20 terrorists have been killed since the start of the operation, which is backed by Russia.
The terrorist attack in al-Jubailia was likely carried out by ISIS cells in a desperate attempt to ease the pressure on their besieged comrades in Jasim.
It is possible that some cells of ISIS are currently taking shelter in al-Jubailia and Nawa. The SAA buildup near al-Jubailia may be a part of preparations for a security operation in the village and the nearby towns.
