Southern Damascus offensive (April–May 2018) explained

Conflict:Southern Damascus offensive (April–May 2018)
Partof:the Rif Dimashq Governorate campaign of the Syrian Civil War and Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War
Date:19 April[1] – 21 May 2018[2] [3]
Place:Yarmouk Camp, al-Hajar al-Aswad, Qadam, and Tadamon, southern Damascus, Damascus Governorate, Syria
Result:Decisive Syrian Army and allies victory
  • The Syrian Army captured the entire rebel-held pocket in south Damascus after reaching an evacuation agreement[4]
  • After major advances[5] the Syrian Army reaches an evacuation agreement with ISIL
  • Following ISIL's evacuation, the Syrian military fully took control of the capital and its nearby governorate after 6 years, successfully ending the Rif Dimashq Governorate campaign
Combatant1:
Palestinian Syrian militias[6]
Hezbollah[7]
Arab Nationalist Guard[8]
[9]
Combatant2: (ISIL)
  • Wilayat Dimashq

---- Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham
Jaysh al-Islam
Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis (remnants)

Commander1: Hassan Yusuf Mohammad
Saed Abd Al-Aal [10]
Commander2:Unknown
Units1: Syrian Armed Forces

Palestinian Syrian militias

Return Forces

Units2: Military of ISIL
Strength1:Unknown
Strength2: 1,500–2,500[13]
Casualties1:273 killed[14] [15]
Casualties2: 233–350+ killed[16] ---- 19 killed 10 killed
Casualties3:73 civilians killed[17]

The Southern Damascus offensive began on 19 April 2018 when the Syrian Armed Forces began to clear an enclave held by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in southern Damascus in the Yarmouk Camp.

Background

See also: Southern Damascus offensive (January–February 2018) and Southern Damascus offensive (March 2018). In March 2018, ISIL massacred dozens of Syrian soldiers in an offensive for al-Qadam.[18] On 14 April, ISIL then began an offensive on the western axis of the al-Qadam neighborhood[19] and on 15 April, ISIL's forces in the Yarmouk Camp shelled areas held by the government.[20] On the same day, the Syrian government began redeploying soldiers from East Ghouta to the area in an attempt to surround the camp.[21] [22] [23]

Offensive

On 19 April, after a week of intermittent escalations, the Syrian Arab Army and allied Palestinian militias launched an offensive against the ISIL-held al-Hajar al-Aswad neighborhood and the Palestinian Yarmouk Camp. Barrages of missiles and artillery shells bombarded ISIL positions in the Yarmouk Camp, Qadam, and Tadamon districts of the ISIL pocket in more than 580 air raids, with local activists reporting at least 15 civilians killed and more than 100 wounded.[24] The Russian air force also provided heavy support to the offensive.[9] Following the barrages, the Syrian Army and allies stormed the western axis of al-Qadam. On 20 April, the army captured the Imam Ali mosque in Tadamon.[25]

While state media and SOHR reported on 20 April that ISIL had agreed to surrender, fighting continued on 23 April. SOHR stated that some militants had rejected the agreement.[26] On 22 April, it was reported that the Syrian army managed to capture Al-Zain neighborhood south of Al-Hajar Al-Aswad.[27] The next day, two Army tanks were reportedly destroyed in the clashes[28] which also left three pro-government Palestinian officers dead.[28] On 24 April, the Syrian Army began dropping leaflets over Al-Hajar Al-Aswad, urging ISIL militants to surrender.[29] The army had also reportedly entered the Joura district of al-Qadam, seizing some buildings and capturing the orchards.[30]

The UNRWA reported around 5,000 Palestinians from Yarmouk were displaced to Yalda between 19 and 24 April, leaving 1,200 residents,[24] although local sources reported 2,500 families or 3,000 people[31] were still there. By 25 April, local sources said that at least 20 civilians had been killed.[32] The UN described Yarmouk Camp as "transformed into a death camp", reporting thousands of homes and the last functioning hospital destroyed.[33] The UK-based Action Group for Palestinians of Syria said 60% of the camp had been destroyed in the government offensive by 27 April.[31]

On 25 April, despite facing heavy ISIL resistance, pro-government forces continued to advance on multiple axes of the pocket. Led by Republican Guard units, the Syrian Army continued their advance in the Al-Ma’edhiyah subdistrict, seizing more buildings near the Al-Asali axis.[34]

On 26 April, the ISIL-affiliated Amaq Agency reported they killed three elements of the Syrian army including a lieutenant, while the government made limited gains in al-Hajar al-Aswad. While ISIL and SAA clashed, Tahrir al-Sham units repelled a separate SAA advance in the Yarmouk Camp.[35]

On 27 April, ISIL shelled parts of the al-Qadam district. The SAA made additional advances in other areas in southern Damascus, 20 SAA soldiers were killed and 3 BMPs were damaged according to Amaq in the advances in al-Qadam. Another eight SAA soldiers were killed in advances in the al-Zayn neighborhood. On the same day, Syrian General Hassan Yusuf Mohammad was also killed in clashes in southern Damascus.[36]

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on 28 April that the SAA had fully captured al-Qadam, Mazniyeh, Asali, and Jourah.[37] On 29 April, SANA announced that an agreement was made to evacuate Syrian opposition fighters and family members from rebel-held areas east of Yarmouk.[38] It also announced on 30 April that an agreement to evacuate civilians and fighters from Yarmouk was reached with HTS.[39] Evacuations began later in the day[40] and were completed by 1 May, bringing the 15% of Yarmouk that was held by HTS under government control.[41]

On 3 May, the SAA reported it had captured Munif Al-Anidi school and the cemetery in Hajar-Al Aswad, thus successfully splitting the ISIL-held pocket into two parts. On 4 May, Russian military police reportedly entered Beit Sahem[42] as non-ISIL rebels continued evacuations from their previously-held areas east of Yarmouk.[43] On 5 May, the Syrian Army and the Palestinian militia groups said they had fully captured the southern district of al-Hajar al-Aswad. By 5 May, the Russian Ministry of Defence announced that the Syrian army controlled two-thirds of the camp.[44]

Between 5 and 12 May, both sides suffered heavy casualties as government advances slowed due to ISIL militants being entrenched in tunnels and underground shelters. The militants had also conducted constant counter-attacks.[45] Local sources reported pro-government airstrikes and artillery fire on Yarmouk camp and al-Hajar al-Aswad throughout 7 May, with the aim of separating the two neighbourhoods, with 500 meters of ground gained.[46] Pro-government media reported the killing of Hezbollah's Muhammad Ahmad Hourani and wounding of war correspondent Wasim Aissa during clashes in Yarmouk.[46]

On 16 May, a new pro-government assault on the camp with air strikes and surface-to-surface missiles, with only a few hundred, mainly elderly, residents left inside; dozens of civilians and over 100 fighters on both sides were reported killed.[47] SOHR reported that the SAA fully captured al-Hajar-al-Aswad.[48] On 19 May, Russian and pro-government sources reported a ceasefire between the government and ISIL,[49] although this was denied by official government media, and busloads of ISIL fighters were reported to be evacuated by the government.[50] [51] Just after midnight on 20 May, buses entered the ISIL enclave to evacuate the ISIL fighters,[52] while ISIL burned its bases in preparation for the withdrawal.[53] Despite reports of some continuing clashes in the area,[54] the first batch of militants and their family members was evacuated towards the eastern desert.[55]

On 21 May, pro-government troops fully recaptured Yarmouk camp, as ISIL fighters pulled out to deserts east of the city, thus allowing the Syrian Arab Army to fully control the capital after 6 years.[56] [57]

Aftermath

In the month of fighting, a total of at least 73 civilians were reported killed in Yarmouk, and 7,000 people — including 6,200 Palestinians — displaced from their homes.[56] An UNRWA spokesman said 100 to 200 civilians were estimated to still be in Yarmouk.[57] Sheikh Mohammed al-Omari, a cleric loyal to the government, condemned government troops and allied militias for looting homes in the captured neighbourhood.[57] According to The Economist, many Palestinians believe the government plans to redevelop Yarmouk for use by Syrians.[58]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Breaking: Syrian Army, Palestinian forces launch offensive in southern Damascus. 19 April 2018. Al Masdar News. 19 April 2018. 13 December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181213165815/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-palestinian-forces-launch-offensive-in-southern-damascus/. dead.
  2. Web site: Syrian government declares capital fully under its control. ABC News. . 22 May 2018.
  3. Web site: Syrian army takes last insurgent area near Damascus. 21 May 2018. Reuters.
  4. Web site: Syria: Militant evacuation from Beit Sahm to Jarabulus continues. 5 May 2018. Al Masdar News. 5 May 2018. 29 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180829010600/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syria-militant-evacuation-from-beit-sahm-to-jarabulus-continues/. dead.
  5. Web site: Breaking: Syrian Army scores massive advance in south Damascus amid total collapse of ISIS defenses. 28 April 2018. 22 May 2018. 25 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180625080946/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-scores-massive-advance-in-south-damascus-amid-total-collapse-of-isis-defenses/. dead.
  6. Web site: Palestinians fight to retake Yarmouk Camp from ISIS . Leith Aboufadel . . 24 April 2018 . 29 April 2018 . 7 November 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181107101138/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palestinians-fight-to-retake-yarmouk-camp-from-isis/ . dead .
  7. Web site: The South Damascus Campaign: Interview with Quwat al-Sa'iqa . Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi . 27 April 2018 . 29 April 2018.
  8. Web site: 24 Resistance Axis on Twitter.
  9. Web site: Russian Air Force launches unprecedented number of airstrikes over southern Damascus (video). 20 April 2018. 25 April 2018. 23 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180623063155/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-air-force-launches-unprecedented-number-of-airstrikes-over-southern-damascus-video/. dead.
  10. Web site: Victims and large-scale destruction after the hysterical bombardment of Yarmouk camp . Action Group for Palestinians of Syria . 21 April 2018 . 29 April 2018.
  11. Web site: Exclusive: Syrian Army's 9th Division shock troops prepare to storm ISIS stronghold (photos). 29 April 2018. Al Masdar News. 29 April 2018. 13 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180613001139/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/exclusive-syrian-armys-9th-division-shock-troops-prepare-to-storm-isis-stronghold-photos/. dead.
  12. Web site: 11 Palestinian refugees died in the ongoing clashes in south Damascus . Action Group for Palestinians of Syria . 23 April 2018 . 29 April 2018.
  13. Web site: Strength of ISIS forces in south Damascus - estimates. 3 April 2018. Al-Masdar. 23 April 2018. 4 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073612/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/strength-of-isis-forces-in-south-damascus-estimates/. dead.
  14. Web site: In preparation for finishing withdrawal of its members from the capital, ISIS burns its headquarters south of Damascus. 20 May 2018. SOHR.
  15. News: Tens of raids target the south of Damascus and the regime forces manage with their allies to advance again in the south of ISIS-controlled areas. 27 April 2018. SOHR.
  16. Web site: Map update: Syrian Army, Palestinian forces reduce ISIS-held territory in south Damascus by 1/3 after week-long battle. 29 April 2018. 22 May 2018. 2 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190402170137/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-palestinian-forces-reduce-isis-held-territory-in-south-damascus-by-1-3-after-week-long-battle/. dead.
  17. 2 killed (19 April),http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=89908 2 killed (27 April),http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=90667
    4 killed (9 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=91709 2 killed (16 May),http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=92403 1 killed (18 May),http://www.syriahr.com/2018/05/19/37-قضوا-أمس-بينهم-17-من-عناصر-قوات-النظام-وا/ total of 11 reported killed in the center of Damascus
  18. Web site: Syrian forces head to southern Damascus for final assault against ISIS pocket. Al-Masdar News. 8 April 2018. 15 April 2018. 12 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612213628/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-forces-head-to-southern-damascus-for-final-assault-against-isis-pocket/. dead.
  19. Web site: ISIS launches offensive in southern Damascus after US Coalition bombs Syria. 14 April 2018. Al-Masdar News. 16 April 2018. 31 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190531205120/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-offensive-in-southern-damascus-after-us-coalition-bombs-syria/. dead.
  20. Web site: Syrian War Daily – 15th of April 2018. 15 April 2018. Syrian War Daily blog. 23 April 2018. 26 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180826123558/https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/04/15/syrian-war-daily-15th-of-april-2018/. dead.
  21. Web site: Syrian Army sends more troops to southern Damascus, thousands of soldiers surround area. 15 April 2018. Al-Masdar News. 15 April 2018. 3 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180703044528/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-sends-more-troops-to-southern-damascus-thousands-of-soldiers-surround-area/. dead.
  22. Web site: Syrian army braces for new offensive against IS south of Damascus after liberation of Douma - Xinhua - English.news.cn. https://web.archive.org/web/20180416015420/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-04/16/c_137113419.htm. dead. 16 April 2018. www.xinhuanet.com.
  23. Web site: Video: Syrian Army amasses forces for upcoming offensive in southern Damascus. 15 April 2018. Al-Masdar News. 15 April 2018. 12 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612215140/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-amasses-forces-for-upcoming-offensive-in-southern-damascus/. dead.
  24. Farah Najjar Syria's Yarmouk camp: From a 'war on stomachs' to 'annihilation', Al-Jazeera, 24 Apr 2018
  25. News: Update: ISIS suffers massive losses in southern Damascus as Syrian Army muscles its way forward – details. Al-Masdar. 21 April 2018. 5 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180705234811/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/update-isis-suffers-massive-losses-in-southern-damascus-as-syrian-army-muscles-its-way-forward-details/. dead.
  26. News: Syrian army targets south Damascus insurgent enclave. 23 April 2018. Reuters. 23 April 2018.
  27. News: Map update: Syrian Army maintains control over key neighborhood in southern Damascus - Muraselon. 22 April 2018. Muraselon. 23 April 2018. en-GB.
  28. Web site: Syrian War Daily – 23rd of April 2018. 23 April 2018. 25 April 2018. 1 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180701225903/https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/04/23/syrian-war-daily-23rd-of-april-2018/. dead.
  29. News: Syrian army helicopters dropping leaflets on Southern Damascus, urging ISIS fighters to surrender.
  30. News: Syrian War Daily – 24th of April 2018.
  31. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/estimated-60-percent-yarmouk-destroyed-violence-group-180427102610652.html Estimated 60 percent of Yarmouk destroyed amid violence: Group
  32. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180425-syria-regime-kills-20-civilians-in-yarmouk-refugee-camp/ Syria regime kills 20 civilians in Yarmouk refugee camp
  33. Raf Sanchez Palestinian refugee camp in Syria turns 'unimaginably brutal' as Assad regime drives Isil out of Yarmouk, Daily Telegraph 26 April 2018
  34. News: Syrian Army, Palestinian forces advance towards ISIL's southern Damascus HQ. Al-Masdar. 25 April 2018. 2 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180702202701/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-palestinian-forces-advance-towards-isils-southern-damascus-hq/. dead.
  35. Web site: ~ Joško Barić . – 26th of April 2018 . Syrian War Daily . 26 April 2018 . 30 April 2018 . 14 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180714150804/https://syrianwardaily.com/2018/04/26/syrian-war-daily-26th-of-april-2018/ . dead .
  36. Web site: Joško Barić . – 27th of April 2018 . Syrian War Daily . 26 April 2018 . 30 April 2018.
  37. Web site: Syrian army captures areas near IS stronghold in southern Damascus. https://web.archive.org/web/20180501161242/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-04/29/c_137144511.htm . dead . 1 May 2018 . Xinhua News Agency. 29 April 2018. 1 May 2018.
  38. Web site: Syrian govt, rebels reach deal to evacuate fighters form Damascus area. Dawn News Agency. Agence-France Presse. 30 April 2018. 30 April 2018.
  39. Web site: Syria announces Yarmouk camp evacuation agreement. Al Jazeera. 30 April 2018. 1 May 2018.
  40. Web site: Parallel evacuations to begin in two besieged pockets as Syrian government moves to clear remaining rebels from capital. Syria Direct. 30 April 2018. 1 May 2018.
  41. Web site: Syria: Convoy of evacuated militants en route from Yarmouk to Idlib (video). 1 May 2018. Al Masdar News. 2 May 2018. 12 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612212213/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syria-convoy-of-evacuated-militants-en-route-from-yarmouk-to-idlib-video/. dead.
  42. Web site: Russian Military police entered Beit Sahm town in Southern Damascus.
  43. News: Syria: Buses carrying militants, families to depart Beit Sahm for Jarabulus (video). Al-Masdar News. 4 May 2018. 27 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180627150137/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syria-buses-carrying-militants-families-to-depart-beit-sahm-for-jarabulus-video/. dead.
  44. https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180505-syrian-army-controls-65-of-yarmouk-refugee-camp-say-russians/ Syrian army controls 65% of Yarmouk Refugee Camp, say Russians
  45. Web site: Syria fight against IS in Damascus stalls, dozens dead: monitor. 12 May 2018. AFP.
  46. https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2018/05/assads-forces-advance-in-southern-damascus-further-regime-troops-killed/ Assad’s Forces Advance in Southern Damascus, Further Regime Troops Killed
  47. Josie Ensor Syrian and Russian forces launch large-scale attack on Palestinian refugee camp controlled by Isil, Daily Telegraph, 16 May 2018
  48. Web site: More than two weeks after losing al-Kadam neighborhood and in conjunction of losing in Yarmouk Camp, ISIS loses al-Hajar al-Aswad neighborhood completely for the regime forces and allies. SOHR. 16 May 2018. 16 May 2018.
  49. https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2018/05/a-ceasefire-agreement-in-yarmouk-camp/ A Ceasefire Agreement in Yarmouk Camp
  50. Seth Frantzman Catastrophic destruction as Syrian regime pounds Palestinian refugee camp, Jerusalem Post, 20 May
  51. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/activists-isil-fighters-withdraw-yarmouk-180520164633499.html Activists: ISIL fighters withdraw from Syria's Yarmouk
  52. Web site: IS militants 'leave Damascus suburbs'. 20 May 2018. 22 May 2018. www.bbc.com.
  53. Web site: In preparation for finishing withdrawal of its members from the capital, ISIS burns its headquarters south of Damascus. 22 May 2018.
  54. Web site: VIDEO: Buses enter ISIS-held districts in southern Damascus to start evacuation deal. 20 May 2018. Al-Masdar. 22 May 2018. 30 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190530084125/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-buses-enter-isis-held-districts-in-southern-damascus-to-start-evacuation-deal/. dead.
  55. Web site: First IS fighters evacuate south Damascus: Monitor. 22 May 2018. 12 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211413/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/first-is-fighters-evacuate-south-damascus-monitor-10252012. dead.
  56. Osama Moussa and Tom Rollins Yarmouk, A Palestinian Tragedy Plays Out In Syria, Mada Masr, 24 May 2018
  57. https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2018/5/23/syrian-cleric-condemns-flagrant-looting-after-regime-captured-yarmouk Syrian cleric condemns 'flagrant looting' after regime captured Yarmouk
  58. https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2018/05/03/syria-is-erasing-the-palestinians-largest-refugee-camp Syria is erasing the Palestinians’ largest refugee camp

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