The recent infighting between the extremist rebel factions in the East Ghouta region of rural Damascus has led to the government forces’ advance near the strategic town of Deir Al-‘Assafir.

More importantly, the rebel infighting has led to a major rift between these former allies operating in the East Ghouta.

On Monday, fierce clashes broke-out between Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam) and Faylaq Al-Rahman, resulting in the death of a prominent field commander in the East Ghouta region.

According to Jaysh Al-Islam’s media wing, “Abu Bakr Al-Zubayr” was killed during a battle with Faylaq Al-Rahman and Jabhat Al-Nusra (Syrian Al-Qaeda group) on Monday.

Abu Bakr Al-Zubyar was a key commander for Jaysh Al-Islam in their fight against the government forces in rural Damascus.