Click to see full-size map
On April 7, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the Tiger Forces launched their ground assault on the last stronghold of Jaysh al-Islam in the Damascus subrub of Eastern Ghouta – the Duma district. According to the Hezbollah media wing, the SAA and its allies captured most of the farms south and west of Duma.
Syrian pro-government sources reported that warplanes of the Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) had destroyed more than 300 positions of Jaysh al-Islam, including the main headquarter, communication networks and ammo depots, in Duma district over the last 24 hours.
#حسين_مرتضى #مباشر من #دوما
تابع كيف يتعامل الجيش السوري مع مقار ما يسمى بجيش الاسلام في دوما.. غزارة نارية واستهدافات مركزة pic.twitter.com/pMxoOzjwrc— #حسين_مرتضى (@HoseinMortada) April 7, 2018
Meanwhile, Jaysh al-Islam continued shelling the government-held districts of Damascus. Five civilians were killed and more than thirty others were injured in Jaysh al-Islam shelling, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Aftermath of Jaysh al-Islam shelling, by SANA, Click to see the full-size image
Aftermath of Jaysh al-Islam shelling, by SANA, Click to see the full-size image
While the SAA is stepping up its military operation in Duma district, negotiations between Russia and officials of Jaysh al-Islam are still ongoing. However, Syrian pro-government activists believe that Jaysh al-Islam is not willing to accept a peaceful solution and that its leadership is negotiating only to buy more time.
