On early Friday morning, the Syrian Arab Army’s 11th Tank Division and National Defense Forces (NDF) conducted a surprise attack on militants from the Islamic Front (Islamic Front) at a number of points in Jabal Al-Arba’een; this assault resulted in the loyalist forces capturing Tal Seereetel in the city of Areeha (Jericho) after fierce clashes with enemy combatants.

As a result of the 11th Division’s success at Tal Seereetel, the city of Areeha was declared under the full control of the Syrian Government at 12:30 P.M. Damascus Time. The Syrian Red Crescent has entered Areeha to bring the civilians food, water, and much needed medicine after weeks of a blockade that prevented supplies from reaching the city.

The 11th Tank Division is reportedly on the move at the villages of Mohayta, Taqtal, Jourif, and Tajrah in Jabal Al-Arba’een; however, rebel contingents are heavily entrenched in this area, making it very difficult to achieve many gains.