Syrian Army Liberates ‘Adra; Civilians Rescued from Jaysh Al-Islam

The Syrian Arab Arab Army (SAA), backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA), have liberated the strategic city of ‘Adra in the Rif Dimashq Governate from Jabhat Al-Islamiyya and Jaysh Al-Islam militants. Scores of militants were killed, as the SAA pressed enemy positions in ‘Adra Al-Jadeeda (New ‘Adra) and ‘Adra Al-Bilad, paving the wave for Syrian commandos to reclaim the captured city almost 10 months later. According to a military source, 118 militants were killed during the whole operation that lasted one week.

A large wave of militants attempted to flee the city, but were forestalled by Syrian Air Force Hind Helicopters that bombarded their convoy. SAA soldiers later confronted the convoy, killing 27 militants and seizing 7 rocket launchers. Many of the fighters were able to retreat to Douma following the firefight; however, 38 militants from Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Islamiyya surrendered to the SAA.

Many Jaysh Al-Islam and Jabhat Al-Islamiyya fighters were killed in the battle for ‘Adra, including the leader of the former, Mohammad Al-Mabrouk (AKA ‘Abu Hassan). Abu Hassan was the field commander of the rebels in ‘Adra, he was killed attempting to flee the city with his large convoy of fighters. According to a military source, some of the militants identified among the dead are the following:

• ‘Usama Jeezrab
• Di’ab Nazaal Al-‘Ajraab
• ‘Amjad Khalif Al-Halaal
• Malek Sa’eed Abdel-Wahaab

Nearly 150 civilians from the city of ‘Adra were liberated by the Syrian Arab Army from their captors, Jaysh Al-Islam, yesterday morning. The civilians were reportedly in good health and in good spirits after 10 months of captivity; many shared their jubilant moments with their liberators, who later hoisted the Syrian Arab Republic flag over the Industrial Quarter. However, a somber moment came when civilians notified the SAA that their captors carried out executions for sectarian and intimidation purposes. A mass grave was found with the bodies of 8 men; 7 of them were later identified to Al-Masdar News:

1. Tawfeeq Mohammad Hassan (Latakia City)
2. ‘Ali Younis ‘Aqeel (‘Iraqi)
3. ‘Abdullah Mohammad Al-Sanaari (‘Adra)
4. Mohammad Jassim Al-Sanaari (‘Adra)
5. Lu’ayy Talal Mohammad (Palestinian from Mokheem Al-Wafdeen)
6. ‘Imadaldeen Badr Haidar (Al-Suleimaniyya)
7. Kanaan ‘Imadaldeen Haidar (Al-Suleimaniyya)