Recap: Day 10 of Army offensive

DARAA, Syria — On the tenth day of the Daraa offensive, significant progress and intense clashes marked the continuation of this critical battle in southern Syria. The offensive, launched by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies against rebel positions in Daraa city, has been characterized by heavy fighting and strategic territorial gains.

Key Developments:

1. Ground Advances: On the tenth day, the Syrian Army continued its aggressive push into rebel-held areas of Daraa, focusing on the Manshiyah District. The SAA has utilized intense artillery and aerial bombardments to soften rebel defenses. By this point in the offensive, the government forces had captured significant portions of the district, making substantial inroads into previously rebel-controlled territories.
2. Aerial Bombardments: The offensive has seen some of the most intense aerial bombardments in the region since 2015. The Syrian Air Force, supported by Russian airstrikes, has conducted numerous sorties targeting rebel positions. This heavy bombardment has aimed to dismantle the entrenched defenses and demoralize the rebel fighters, contributing to the territorial gains achieved by the SAA.
3. Casualties and Damage: The fighting has resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. Reports indicate that several key rebel commanders were killed during the intense clashes. The relentless shelling and airstrikes have also caused significant destruction to infrastructure within the city, exacerbating the humanitarian situation for civilians trapped in the conflict zones.
4. Strategic Significance: The Daraa offensive holds strategic importance for the Syrian government. Regaining control over Daraa would not only represent a symbolic victory, given the city’s role in the early stages of the Syrian civil war, but also secure a crucial geographic area near the Jordanian border, potentially cutting off supply lines to the rebels and solidifying government control in southern Syria.

As the offensive progresses, both the Syrian Army and the rebel factions continue to engage in fierce battles, with the outcome likely to influence the broader dynamics of the Syrian civil war. The situation remains fluid, with both sides vying for control in this strategically vital region.