The battle for northern Dara’a is underway, as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and militias loyal to the Free Syrian Army (FSA) battle for this strategic area on the border of the Rif Dimashq Governorate’s “West Ghouta.”

The SAA’s 7th Mechanized Division and the 9th Armored Division carried out a powerful assault on Liwaa Seif Al-Islam at the besieged village of Kafr Shamis, resulting in the capture of Tal Ghasham by loyalist forces after fierce clashes with enemy combatants.

Despite the capture of Tal Ghasham, the 7th and 9th Divisions were unable to capture the remaining territory in Kafr Shamis – they were repelled by the enemy combatants inside the besieged village.

The rebels were able to destroy an SAA tank, while also killing 11 soldiers and wounding a dozen others during the intense clashes. SAA sources reported over 20 enemy combatants killed during the firefight; however, the actual total has not been officially confirmed.

North of Kafr Shamis, the 5th and 7th Divisions continued their offensive at Deir ‘Adass, attempting to breakthrough rebel defenses in order to stake their position in the eastern part of the village.

The 5th and 7th Divisions hard work paid off, as they were able to breach the rebel frontlines and take control of the eastern sector of Deir ‘Adass. It should be noted that despite claims by social media networks of the SAA capturing this village, the rebels still control at least 65% of the remaining territory.