Syrian government aligned forces, Islamic State battle in south
Local factions that include former members of the Free Syrian Army are fighting alleged Islamic State members in southern Syria's Daraa with the support of the Syrian government.
AL-BAB, Syria — Battles resumed Nov. 4 between local factions supported by the Syrian government and Islamic State cells in the city of Daraa in southern Syria with the end of the truce that began Nov. 2 to allow civilians to evacuate the affected areas.
Armed clashes have broken out in several neighborhoods of Daraa since Oct. 31 between local groups of former fighters from the Free Syrian Army supported by the Eighth Brigade, which is backed by the government and Russia, and armed groups accused of belonging to IS. The fighting has caused casualties on both sides as well as deaths and injuries among civilians and journalists.
Daraa journalist Omran al-Hourani told Al-Monitor, “After a two-day truce, the battles resumed in Daraa. Most of the residents of Tariq al-Sad and surrounding neighborhoods were displaced, schools were closed and roads were completely cut off due to the clashes that killed several civilians. The humanitarian situation is very bad and people fear the battles will continue and spill over to other neighborhoods.”
Hourani added, “The groups accused of belonging to IS are holed up inside the neighborhoods of Daraa and led by Mohammed al-Masalma. Most of the fighters of these groups are former FSA members who refused to reconcile with the Syrian government. Other local groups led by Khaled Abazid are supported by the Eighth Brigade, backed by the regime and Russia, and also include former FSA fighters.”
