On Thursday morning, the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) reentered the Al-Yarmouk Camp after being forced out last night by the Hamas-affiliated “Aknef Beit Al-Maqdis” militia; this attack resulted in ISIS’ capture of three quarters of the district, including the Yarmouk Girls School, Palestine Mosque, 15th Street, and most of 30th Street.
ISIS also successfully entered the Al-Tadamon District located east of the Al-Yarmouk Camp, capturing the rebel-held territory and taking control of Palestine Street after clashing with the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) backed “Palestine Liberation Army.”
By noon on Thursday, Palestinian forces loyal to the SAA launched a counter-offensive at Al-Tadamon and Al-Yarmouk, where they were able to retake Palestine Street and 30th Street before nightfall dissipated the violence engulfing this volatile area.
According to a Palestinian source in the nearby Jarmana Camp, the militias that took part in the SAA-backed offensive were the PLA, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC), and Fatah Al-Intifada – these groups were originally in the Yarmouk Camp before the Syrian Conflict.
For Aknef Al-Maqdis, the recapture of the Yarmouk School Street became an integral battle, as ISIS’ control over this area wedged the rebel forces without an outlet to retreat.
Aknef Al-Maqdis was successful in retaking Yarmouk School Street; however, ISIS was able to reestablish their control over the rebel part of 30th Street.
Fighting has died down in Al-Yarmouk and Al-Tadamon, but it is likely to pick-up on Friday morning.
