Syria: Sana,offensive against ISIS resumes south of Damascus After evacuation of civilians

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, MAY 21 - An offensive by Syrian government forces targeting districts in the southern outskirts of Damascus still controlled by ISIS resumed on Monday morning after a ceasefire Sunday to enable the evacuation of civilians, government agency Sana reports.



Shortly before midday (11 am in Italy), Syrian jets reportedly resumed strikes on positions held by Islamic State militants in the district of Hajar al Aswad and the nearby Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmuk.



''The humanitarian ceasefire ended after the evacuation of children, women and the elderly and the army resumed operations against the terrorists'', wrote Sana.



Regime forces started about a month ago an offensive to regain control of these areas and have so far succeeded in retaking about 70 percent. The operation's success should enable the government of Bashar al Assad to affirm its authority on the entire region of the capital for the first time since the start of the civilian conflict in 2011. (ANSAmed).



