Syrian Rebels Surprise Damascus With New Assaults
On the third day of fierce fighting Tuesday on the northeastern edge of Damascus, Islamist rebel groups
and Qaeda-linked jihadists seized an industrial area about a mile from the historic Old City, seeking to connect the isolated rebel enclave of Qaboun with the larger swath of territory they control east of the city.
Plumes of smoke rose over the insurgent-held northeastern districts of Jobar
and Qaboun as the government carried out scores of airstrikes, while rebel shells struck what are normally busy areas around Abasiyeen Square.
It was not immediately clear if the assault had any staying power on the ground or was more of a political message to counter the impression
that the government — after seizing the eastern half of Aleppo from rebels last year — had essentially won the war.
By ANNE BARNARDMARCH 21, 2017
For the first time in years, rebels demonstrated that they can threaten the capital of Syria,
as fierce fighting continued for a third day on the northeastern edge of the city.
BEIRUT — For the first time in years, Syrian insurgents have advanced on the outskirts of Damascus, demonstrating
that they can take territory around the capital despite a long string of defeats around the country.
With their monthlong offensive, government forces appear to be trying to isolate the besieged suburbs of East Ghouta
further to eventually force the rebels there to face a prolonged battle like that of Aleppo or surrender.