Syrian Regime Inflames Southern Front in Morning of Eid

The Syrian regime launched surprise attacks in the morning of Eid al-Fitr by targeting the countryside of Damascus, Daraa and Quneitra, killing at least six civilians.

The attacks violated a ceasefire agreement and went against US warnings to take firm and appropriate measures in response to Assad regime violations.

The US State Department had on Thursday warned Damascus against any military action that could ruin talks aimed at finding a settlement for the southern front.

“We reiterate that any Syrian government military actions against the southwest de-escalation zone risk broadening the conflict,” spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

The Syrian regime violated the ceasefire agreement by hitting the southern front with missiles and artillery. It did not resort to airstrikes.

Opposition military sources in the south of Syria told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian regime had prepared for a possible battle early this month.”

The sources added that regime forces brought military reinforcements to the southern front more than ten days ago.

“The missile and artillery attacks on the towns of Kafar Shames and Harah near the Golan Heights border with Israel look as a prelude to a battle, which the Syrian regime is preparing in the area,” the sources added.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said regime forces hit areas in Daraa Al-Balad in Daraa city, causing material damage, in violation of the Syrian South Truce between the US, Russian and Jordan, applied since July 9, 2017.

Last week, the Observatory documented the deployment of dozens of military vehicles loaded with hundreds of regime fighters and their loyal militias in the area, as opposition factions reinforced their fronts ahead of any possible regime offensive.

However, the Syrian regime failed to admit a military escalation took place on Friday on the southern front.

State media outlets only reported that Syrian Defense Minister General Ali Ayoub visited army units in the south of the country.

Source: Syrian Regime Inflames Southern Front in Morning of Eid | Asharq AL-awsat