Baladi News – Damascus Countryside (Sama Masoud)
Fierce clashes have taken place for one week in the western towns of Damascus countryside, particularly in Khan Al-Shih camp and the surrounding farms, in the first attempt to storm the rebel-held area by the regime forces since its liberation in 2013.
Hosting a large population of the revolution supporters from Damascus and Quneitra country sides as well as Daraa, the camp is the main stronghold for the rebels in the western countryside of Damascus. It also has strategic importance for both the rebels and the regime forces due to its location near Al-salam highway that connects Damascus and the occupied Golan heights, passing through several towns in the country sides of Damascus and Quneitra.
The clashes started when the regime forces intensified their attacks against the camp, dropping 28 barrel bombs on Friday alone and firing artillery shells from the nearby battalions 100 and 137. On the ground, the rebels killed dozens of the attacking forces and captured others and lost 10 casualties.
Reportedly, the regime forces deliberately destroyed the only hospital in the area, which was used to treat 4200 patients and operate 60 deliveries a month according to head of the medical board in the hospital.
On the other hand, the regime forces tried to hinder the arrival of the students to take their preparatory stage examinations at centers outside the camp despite the coordination between the regime and the UNRWA to take the students in 3 buses showing the UN flag. However, the regime forces shelled the buses, which caused casualties among students.
By using smart tactics, the rebels “peacefully” took control over Khan Al-Shih camp and the surrounding farms as well as Drousha in 2013 by accommodating rebel supporting families escaping from several areas in Damascus, Daraa, and Quneitra, which raised the revolution support in this originally opposing area.