The Islamist rebel group “Jaysh Al-Islam” has launched a massive offensive at the towns of Tal Kurdi, ‘Adra, and Harasta in order to recapture the territory they lost to the Syrian Armed Forces last year and to break-out of the East Ghouta (collection of farms near Damascus).

Thus far, Jaysh Al-Islam and their ally from the Syrian Al-Qaeda group “Jabhat Al-Nusra” have been rather successful, as they have captured a significant amount of territory near the Harasta National Hosputal and the ‘Adra Central Prison.

Meanwhile, to the north of Harasta, Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Nusra are pushing into the town of Dhahiyat Al-Assad, where they have also been successful in seizing territory from the National Defense Forces (NDF); however, they were pushed back from the imperative bridge last night,

With Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Nusra gaining ground inside Harasta and its surrounding area, the need for reinforcements became imperative for the National Defense Forces.

The Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard answered the NDF’s call for reinforcements, sending over 200 soldiers to the Harasta and Dhahiyat Al-Assad front in order to help drive back the Islamist rebel fighters from Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Nusra.

The Republican Guard has been tasked to recapture the two hills overlooking Dhahiyat Al-Assad; if recaptured, they will possess the high ground over Harasta.