ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Syrian regime forces and Hezbollah fighters on Thursday recaptured large parts of Eastern Ghouta, southeast of Damascus, from rebel factions, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said. The UK-based group reported that the eleven towns of Zabdin, Der al-Asafir, Nola, Bazina, al-Qantara, Harasta, Hosh al-Homsi, Hosh al-Dwer, Bala, al-Rakabia, and al-Biad were recaptured, following clashes with rebel factions. It reported civilians fleeing to nearby areas. Thursday’s offensive reportedly comes at a time when rebel factions opposed to the Damascus regime are fighting among themselves in the region.
