Three days ago, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a successful attack which had government forces capture Noulah village, thus applying more pressure to the southern flank of the largely rebel-held East Ghouta region.

AhlulBayt News Agency - Three days ago, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a successful attack which had government forces capture Noulah village, thus applying more pressure to the southern flank of the largely rebel-held East Ghouta region.



The operation was code-named ‘Shield of the Motherland’ and lasted merely 45 minutes.



Prior to the SAA operation, the Syrian Arab Air Force (SAAF) had repeatedly targeted the nearby towns of Deir al-Asafir and Zabdeen; this led insurgents to believe Noulah was not to face an imminent attack as airstrikes are common prior to government attacks.



While Islamist rebels in Deir al-Asafir and Zabdeen prepared their defences, the SAA initiated operation Shield of the Motherland on completely oblivious rebel fighters.



In fact, information suggested the Jaish al-Islam unit at Noulah was literally having breakfast while the SAA kicked in the door.



As the rebel fighters jumped for their guns, 23 were move down (killed in action) while 2 fighters of Jaish al-Islam opted to surrender rather than face a shower of bullets.



Footage from operation Shield of the Motherland can be seen below. At 0:40, one of two prisoners of war (POW) is visible:



