Syrian forces kill 30 rebels in southern province Daraa

DAMASCUS, June 28 (Xinhua) — At least 30 rebels were killed and many others wounded by strikes of Syrian army in southern province of Daraa, the state news agency SANA reported Sunday.

The military forces also destroyed weaponry and rocket launchers in the operation that took place nearby the Electricity Company in Daraa, said SANA, adding that two other rebel groups were eliminated in Daraa al-Balad area.

Citing a military source, SANA said four rebel factions, called al-Muez Brigade, also escaped the town of Naime, after the military forces struck a position gathering their leaders on Saturday evening.

Last Thursday, a coalition of 51 rebel and jihadi groups declared the start of a major offensive to drive government forces out of Daraa.

The offensive, dubbed “the Storm of the South,” aims to take control of the entire city of Daraa and its vicinity, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The jihadi groups, mainly the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, have been eyeing the full capture of Daraa, due to its location, less than 100 km from the capital Damascus and its proximity to Jordanian borders, where militants are reportedly receiving supplies.