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On November 5, Syrian forces resumed their operation against ISIS cells in the southern part of Daraa city, commonly known as Daraa al-Balad.
Local fighters and former rebels launched the operation with direct support from the Syrian military and intelligence on August 31. A ceasefire was declared on November 3 and 4 to evacuate civilians from Daraa al-Balad.
The security operation is reportedly being led by the 8th Brigade, a Russian-backed formation of the military’s 5th Corps that is mainly made of up local fighters and former rebels from the countryside of Daraa.
Just a few hours after resuming the operation, Syrian forces managed to capture several key positions of ISIS cells in al-Sad street.
“The security operation in the [al-Sad] stress saw major advance towards the positions of ISIS cells,” an unnamed security official told the Syrian Arab News Agency.
The exact number of ISIS terrorists in Daraa al-Balad remains unknown. The terrorists are reportedly led by Mohamad al-Masalmah, also known as “Hafu,” and Muayad Harfouche, also known as “Abu Taja”. Both are senior commanders of ISIS who have been wanted by Syrian authorities for several years now.
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the death toll from the security operation in Daraa al-Balad has risen to 16, including seven ISIS terrorists, five local fighters and four civilians.
The operation could go on for several more days, or even weeks. ISIS presence in Daraa al-Balad appears to be way larger than what was originally thought.
Death to all ISIS!