Russian, Syrian jets pound rebel stronghold as Syrian troops prepare to attack

BEIRUT, LEBANON (7:40 A.M.) – The Syrian and Russian air forces continued their aerial campaign over the Daraa Governorate this morning, targeting several areas controlled by the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham.

The joint Russian-Syrian airstrikes began in the eastern countryside of Daraa last night, when the two air forces heavily bombarded the rebel stronghold of Al-Hirak near the recently captured town of Busra Al-Harir.

According to a military source in the government stronghold of Izraa, the joint Russian-Syrian airstrikes proved effective, as the rebels fortifications outside of Al-Hirak were reportedly destroyed during the overnight bombardment.

The source added that the Tiger Forces and their allies from the 5th Armored Division and National Defense Forces (NDF) are preparing to storm Al-Hirak soon.

In addition to the strikes on Al-Hirak, the Syrian and Russian air forces also conducted at least ten airstrikes over the historical city of Busra Al-Sham and its surroundings.

Meanwhile, at the provincial capital, the Syrian and Russian air forces launched another powerful attack that targeted Daraa city’s Al-Balad District.

These airstrikes over the provincial capital are paving the way for the Syrian Arab Army’s future attack, which will focus on the southern districts of Daraa city.