Once again, Syrian rebels use water as a ‘joker card’ in a bid to make a difference on the battlefield, leaving millions in the Syrian capital in dire need for water.
Islamic militants in control of the town of Ain Al-Fijah cut off water supplies from Damascus in order to force the Syrian Army suspend the military operation on the bordering town of Zabadani.
The city of Zabadani, located nearly 50 km northwest of the capital Damascus, bears a significant importance for Hezbollah for being the main supply route of weapons for the anti-Israel party.
Ain Al-Fijah, located 25 km to the southwest of, contains the Ain Al-Fijah springs that supply Damascus with drinking water. The town is controlled by Islamic factions, most prominently, Jabhet Al-Nusra, al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria.
The Syrian Army, backed by Hezbollah fighters, stormed Zabadani after fiercely battling Islamic fighters who retreated to the eastern outskirts.
The Army and allied forces isolated Zabadani from other rebel-held towns to prevent potential reinforcements.
For the second time in the Holy month of Ramadan, the capital faces a deadly water shortage with the summer is getting hotter and temperature nearly hits 40 degree.
Less than a month ago, rebels cut off water supplies from Damascus to have some of their demands fulfilled, including releasing detainees.
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