Earlier today, Jaysh Al-Islam militants attempted a surprise attack on the rear defenses of the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican in the Jobar District. Jaysh Al-Islam stormed the 105th Brigade’s rear flank, pushing their way past the Old Cemetery before they were repulsed by Republican Guard reinforcements. The attack was geared at reopening a vital supply route for the Jaysh Al-Islam militants encircled inside the district – Jobar is currently isolated from other rebel-held areas in the East Ghouta.
The Republican Guard was able to regroup from the morning offensive and countered the militants north of the Old Cemetery, retaking much of the lost ground to Jaysh Al-Islam. During the counter-attack by the 105th Brigade, the soldiers discovered a network of tunnels that were dug-up for the offensive in the district. Jaysh Al-Islam fighters were routed from the area once the Republican Guard was able to address the source of their infiltration.
Initially, the 105th Brigade appeared to be retreating due to heavy casualties; however, assistance from the Syrian Air Force and reinforcements provided a swift recovery. 12 soldiers from the Republican Guard were reportedly killed, including a Lieutenant Colonel. Meanwhile; Jaysh Al-Islam suffered heavy casualties near the Old Cemetery and the Zamalka Bridge. According to a military source, 23 Jaysh Al-Islam fighters were killed and a large cache of weapons was confiscated during the Republican Guard’s raid of the militants’ tunnels.
The identified militants killed in Jobar:
1. Khalil Sa’aydat (Jordanian)
2. Abu Baahi Al-‘Adees (Tunisian)
3. Mohammad Kazbar
4. Fouad Qabbani
5. Lu’ayy Hamadi
6. ‘Aamer Al-Nabki
