In addition to capturing the Medicinal Factory, the Syrian Armed Forces also seized the Al-Kassarat area of Khan Al-Sheih after expelling Jabhat Al-Nusra and the Free Syrian Army (FSA) from this part of the West Ghouta (collection of farms in rural Damascus), Arabic site Al-Masdar News reports.

Around noon Tuesday, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) launched a new attack in the southern East Ghouta (Damascus) pocket, subsequently capturing half of Bazinah village.

Furthermore, the SAA’s Republican Guard – reinforced by a Hezbollah unit – managed to fully capture the Bazinah farms during the evening, thereby establishing a new launching pad for attacks on the village.

On the defending side of the battle, terrorists of Jabhat al-Nusra and Faylaq Al-Rahman suffered 11 deaths, while 5 surrendered to Syrian government troops.

Rebel defenses in East Ghouta collapse amid Syrian Army offensive. Source almasdarnews

Meanwhile, the insurgent factions of East Ghouta have been clashing internally with one another despite ongoing advancements by the Syrian Armed Forces.

Since the 1st of May, the SAA has captured several areas in southeastern Damascus; these include Rikabiyah village, the Rikabiyah farms (11th of May), Nolah village (12th of May), Hawsh All Hatib village (14th of May), while operations are ongoing to capture Zebdeen and Deir al-Asafir, two highly treasured rebel strongholds.

In the months prior to these advancements, the SAA carried out a strategic pincer manuever by capturing Bala Al-Kadhim and Marj al-Sultan, thus greatly restricting rebel supplies and reinforcements from reaching the newly captured villages.

Last week, Jabhat Al-Nusra attempted to capture the Regiment 137 Base inside Khan Al-Sheih; however, they were ultimately repelled by the Syrian Armed Forces before making any significant progress.

Countering Jabhat Al-Nusra’s (Nusra Front) offensive at Regiment 137, the Syrian Armed Forces looked to clear much of the contested territory inside Khan Al-Sheih, while the terrorists rebels backtrack towards the nearby Al Quneitra Governorate.

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