Battle of Harasta (2017–2018)

Harasta, in the eastern Ghouta area, had been a rebel-held city for parts of the Syrian Civil War, despite its close proximity to the government-held capital. After the government's victory in Eastern Aleppo in late 2016, government forces turned their attention to the Damascus suburbs, targeting Wadi Barada, and eastern Ghouta (see Qaboun offensive (2017)).Hiba Dlewati "[https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/05/18/syria-its-not-a-truce-until-government-tanks-are-in-the-square Years-Long Truces End As Government Tightens Control on Damascus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614095255/https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/articles/2017/05/18/syria-its-not-a-truce-until-government-tanks-are-in-the-square |date=14 June 2018 }}" Syria Deeply, 18 May 2017 During the East Ghouta inter-rebel conflict (April–May 2017), rebel groups Tahrir al-Sham, Ahrar Al-Sham, Jaysh al-Islam and Free Syrian Army-affiliated al-Rahman Legion vied for control of the area. This fighting came to an end in late spring.

On 22 July 2017, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that a de-escalation agreement had been signed in Eastern Ghouta following talks between Russian military officials and Jaysh al Islam.[http://sn4hr.org/blog/2017/11/09/48353/ No less than 534 Barrel Bombs in October 2017], Syrian Network for Human Rights, 9 November 2017 On 16 August 2017, a Failaq al Rahman representative and a Russian representative signed an agreement which established Failaq al Rahman's inclusion in the de-escalation zone. This agreement came into effect on 18 August 2017.

Despite the de-escalation treaty, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that government bombing resumed in Eastern Ghouta on 27 September 2017.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=75034 More casualties raised the death toll to 4 persons after the first bombing on the Eastern Ghouta after the cease-fire that lasted for two months], SOHR, 27 September 2017 In October, the government restricted the use of the al-Wafideen crossing, an entry point for merchandise, which led to food and medical supply shortages within Ghouta.Human Rights Watch [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syriarussia-airstrikes-siege-killing-civilians Syria/Russia: Airstrikes, Siege Killing Civilians], ReliefWeb, 22 December 2017 According to the UN and Human Rights Watch, in late October and November 2017, hostilities intensified, with frequent reports of shelling on several densely populated areas of eastern Ghouta. These attacks reportedly targeted Harasta (including one reported strike on a kindergarten on 6 November[http://syriadirect.org/news/eight-children-dead-scores-injured-after-mortar-shell-strikes-east-ghouta-kindergarten/ Eight children dead, scores injured after mortar shell strikes East Ghouta kindergarten], SyriaDirect, 6 November 2017), as well as Ein Tarma, Jobar, Kafr Batna, and Jisreen (where a mortar attack on 31 October killed six children, according to Human Rights Watch).[https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-factsheet-east-ghouta-8-december-2017-enar Syria: Factsheet - East Ghouta (8 December 2017)], REPORT from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Published on 8 December 2017[https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/12/22/syria/russia-airstrikes-siege-killing-civilians Syria/Russia: Airstrikes, Siege Killing Civilians], HRW, 22 December 2017AP, [http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-syria-children-deaths-20171031-story.html Syrian activists say four children were killed in government shelling], Los Angeles Times, 31 October 2017 Further attacks targeted Mesraba, Hamouriyah and Saqba.Human Rights Watch [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-children-under-attack-damascus-enclave Syria: Children Under Attack in Damascus Enclave], ReliefWeb, 11 January 2018

On 14 November, a rebel attack was launched on the government armoured-vehicle base in Harasta.AFP, [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/18/syria-civilians-killed-air-strikes-government-forces-eastern-ghouta-damascus Syria: at least 14 civilians killed in air strikes by government forces], Guardian, 18 November 2017 The rebel forces, led by Ahrar al-Sham, also launched an assault against Syrian Army positions in the Police Housing area of the Harasta suburb. Shortly after, the rebels captured an army outpost and killed Major General Walhid Khawashqi.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-attack-army-base-near-damascus-latest-breach-video/|title=Islamist rebels attack Army base near Damascus in latest breach [+ Video]|date=14 November 2017|work=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604084510/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-attack-army-base-near-damascus-latest-breach-video/|url-status=dead}} Two points within the perimeter of the base were captured by the militants on the morning of 15 November. According to pro-government sources, the points were recaptured by the army in the evening amid airstrikes on rebel positions conducted by the Russian Air Force.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/russia-syria-armies-step-up-attacks-on-damascus-enclave-rebels-idUSKBN1DF2HK|title=Russia, Syria armies step up attacks on Damascus enclave-rebels|date=15 November 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=16 November 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-wins-back-lost-turf-east-damascus-gears-counter-offensive/|title=Syrian Army wins back all lost turf in east Damascus, gears up for counter-offensive|date=15 November 2017|work=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=4 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604090025/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-wins-back-lost-turf-east-damascus-gears-counter-offensive/|url-status=dead}} The rebel attack was considered by the Syrian government to be a violation of the Russian-brokered de-escalation zones put in place in May. In retaliatory attacks, aerial strikes and shelling hit Harasta, Irbin, Mesraba, Hamouriyah, and Saqba towns in Eastern Ghouta with at least eight civilians killed and about 94 wounded in the first 20 hours.

On 16 November, Ahrar al-Sham reportedly captured a command post near the Regiment 46 base.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ahrar-al-sham-advances-towards-strategic-east-damascus-base-seizing-saa-command-post/|title=Ahrar Al-Sham advances towards strategic east Damascus base after seizing SAA command post|date=16 November 2017|work=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120123327/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ahrar-al-sham-advances-towards-strategic-east-damascus-base-seizing-saa-command-post/|url-status=dead}} In retaliation for the Ahrar al-Sham attack, the government conducted an aerial bombardment of rebel-held areas, according to an Agence France-Presse photographer and opposition sources. The World Health Organization reported that from 14 to 17 November, 84 people were killed and 659 injured, including hundreds of women and children. Human Rights Watch documented that Hamouriyah, a densely populated residential town near the center of the besieged enclave controlled by Faylaq al-Rahman, was repeatedly struck by Russian or Syrian cluster munitions on 19 November, and multiple airstrikes hit Irbin on 23 November.

On 25 November, all of the areas captured by the rebels in Harasta were reported by pro-government sources to have been retaken by government forces,{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-defeats-ahrar-al-shams-offensive-strategic-base-east-damascus-video/|title=Syrian Army defeats Ahrar Al-Sham's offensive at strategic base in east Damascus – video|date=25 November 2017|work=AMN – Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=25 November 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=25 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825163409/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-defeats-ahrar-al-shams-offensive-strategic-base-east-damascus-video/|url-status=dead}} but the rebels said they repelled the army's attack on their positions inside the base.{{cite news|title="بأنهم ظلموا" تعلن صدّ هجوم النظام بريف دمشق - شبكة بلدي الإعلامية|url=https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/news/details/25236/بأنهم_ظلموا_تعلن_صدّ_هجوم_النظام_بريف_دمشق|language=ar|access-date=28 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206154703/https://www.baladi-news.com/ar/news/details/25236/%D8%A8%D8%A3%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85_%D8%B8%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%A7_%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86_%D8%B5%D8%AF%D9%91_%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85_%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81_%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B4%D9%82|archive-date=6 December 2017|url-status=dead}} Government aircraft were reported to have bombed a crowded public market in Misraba, {{convert|1.5|km|abbr=on}} to the east, as part of its counterattack on rebel positions, killing at least 16 civilians.[http://syriadirect.org/news/warplanes-bomb-crowded-market-in-besieged-damascus-suburbs-killing-at-least-16/ Warplanes bomb crowded market in besieged Damascus suburbs, killing at least 16], SyriaDirect, 26 November 2017 From 14 to 30 November, the Russian-Syrian joint military operation conducted over 400 airstrikes on eastern Ghouta, according to Civil Defense, and SOHR reported that at least 127 people, including 30 children, had been killed by air strikes and shelling in the offensive by the end of the month.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-government-push-for-damascus-rebel-enclave-kills-at-least-23-idUSKBN1DQ0G1 Syrian government push for Damascus rebel enclave kills at least 23], Reuters, 26 November 2017

Harasta and other rebel-held parts of the eastern Ghouta were considered to be suffering from a humanitarian crisis due to the government siege. Residents were "so short of food that they [were] eating trash, fainting from hunger and forcing their children to eat on alternate days", the U.N. World Food Programme said. On 6 December, the World Health Organization reported nearly 500 sick and wounded patients still await medical evacuation from eastern Ghouta, which the Syrian government had not granted.[https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-aid/who-says-480-need-to-be-evacuated-from-damascus-suburb-with-worst-malnutrition-idUSL8N1O62J7 WHO says 480 need to be evacuated from Damascus suburb with worst malnutrition], Reuters, 6 December 2017 Several Syrian and Russian airstrikes on densely populated areas were reported in this period in connection with the Harasta fighting, including one on Harasta on 3 December in which children were reportedly killedReuters, [http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Watch-Children-among-dead-as-air-strikes-pound-Damascus-515887 Children Among dead as air strikes pound Damascus], 3 December 2017 and two, on a marketplace and a medical facility, leading to 18 civilian deaths, in nearby Hamouriyah the same day.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/syrian-russian-jets-bomb-residential-areas-in-eastern-ghouta-witnesses-monitor-idUSKBN1DY01J Syrian, Russian jets bomb residential areas in eastern Ghouta: witnesses, monitor], Reuters, 4 December 2017

File:Harasta Offensive.svg

On 29 December 2017, rebels commenced the second phase of the offensive.[https://www.stj-sy.com/en/view/392 Exposure of Six Civilians to Poisonous Substances in Eastern Ghouta- Damascus Countryside] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224053605/https://www.stj-sy.com/en/view/392 |date=24 February 2018 }}, Syrians for Truth & Justice, 21 January 2018 Pro-government sources reported that HTS used a car bomb on army positions in Harasta early in the day.{{cite news|title=Syrian Army driven back in east Damascus by joint Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham offensive|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-driven-back-east-damascus-joint-nusra-ahrar-al-sham-offensive/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=29 December 2017|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-date=31 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231055702/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-driven-back-east-damascus-joint-nusra-ahrar-al-sham-offensive/|url-status=dead}}{{Additional citation needed|This VBIED is not reported elsewhere that I can find - need better source for detail this specific and for attribution|date=January 2018}} Later in the day, Ahrar al-Sham, HTS and Al-Rahman Legion seized over 50 buildings to the west of the base and besieged it, cutting off all supply lines.{{cite news|title=An attack by the largest 3 factions in Al-Ghouta to impose a siege on the regime forces in the Vehicle Department and an advancement by HTS and Ahrar Al-Sham increases their scope of control to 50 buildings in the outskirts of Harasta|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=81786|work=SOHR|date=31 December 2017|language=en}}{{cite news|title=Casualties Among Syrian Regime in Rif Dimashq And Intense Shelling Hit Eastern Ghouta|url=http://qasioun-news.com/en/news/show/121662|work=Qasioun News|date=1 January 2018|language=en|access-date=1 January 2018|archive-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101194649/http://qasioun-news.com/en/news/show/121662|url-status=dead}} The rebels also said they took more positions in the Vehicle Base itself.{{cite news|title=قيادي في معركة "بأنهم ظُلموا" لـ "نداء سوريا" : سيطرنا على مواقع جديدة في إدارة المركبات بحرستا|url=http://nedaa-sy.com/news/3436|work=نداء سوريا|date=29 December 2017|access-date=30 December 2017|archive-date=31 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531064153/http://nedaa-sy.com/news/3436|url-status=dead}} 47 SAA and NDF soldiers were killed in the ongoing offensive, while pro-government reinforcements were being sent to the frontline.{{cite news|title=Syrian forces endure terrible losses in east Damascus amid ongoing Nusra-led offensive|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-forces-endure-terrible-losses-east-damascus-amid-ongoing-nusra-led-offensive/|work=al-Masdar|date=1 January 2018|access-date=1 January 2018|archive-date=2 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102012729/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-forces-endure-terrible-losses-east-damascus-amid-ongoing-nusra-led-offensive/|url-status=dead}} On 30 December, a paramedic working for a hospital in Harasta was killed as a result of artillery shelling, according to aid organisations.[https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/hospitals-attacked-during-holiday-season-11-attacks-wave-violence Hospitals Attacked During Holiday Season, 11 Attacks in Wave Of Violence], ReliefWeb 3 January 2018[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-42591334 Syria war: Hospitals being targeted, aid workers say], BBC, 6 January 2018 The UN reported that the Syrian government and Russia began a new air and land offensive on 31 December to reclaim ground in eastern Ghouta.[https://www.businessinsider.com/syria-russia-offensive-eastern-ghouta-kills-civilians-2018-1 Syria and Russia's latest offensive has killed 177 civilians in 2 weeks], Business Insider, 14 January 2018 That day, a primary health care center in Harasta was impacted by an airstrike, resulting in minor structural damage, according to aid organisations.

On 1 January, fighting raged around the municipal building for hours after rebels reportedly detonated a second car bomb. By the end of the day, the Syrian Army said it had recaptured the Harasta bus station and pushed rebel forces back from the municipal building, while reportedly killing "tens" of rebels.{{cite news|title=Islamist offensive takes disastrous turn after storming strategic base in East Ghouta|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-offensive-takes-disastrous-turn-storming-strategic-base-east-ghouta/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=1 January 2018|access-date=1 January 2018|archive-date=2 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102000229/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-offensive-takes-disastrous-turn-storming-strategic-base-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}[https://apnews.com/00cd92fd39254f08bf1e5632aae7700f State media says Syrian president reshuffles government], AP, 1 January 2018 Meanwhile, Ahrar al-Sham said it was negotiating a passage out for government forces trapped at the Vehicle Base. According to opposition sources, at least 34 rebels were killed and dozens wounded from both sides since the beginning of the second phase. Pro-government and Russian bombings killed at least 36 civilians and wounded many more in rebel-controlled Harasta as well.{{cite news|title=The factions' attack continue violently in Vehicle Department and near Harasta city with the arrival of reinforcement to the factions and the death toll rises to at least 100|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=81905|work=SOHR|date=1 January 2018}} On 2 January, the Syrian Army reportedly recaptured four blocks near the municipal building and were pushing towards the Al-Barazi hospital.{{cite news|title=Syrian Army takes the battle to Ahrar Al-Sham near strategic East Ghouta base (video)|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-takes-battle-ahrar-al-sham-near-strategic-east-ghouta-base-video/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=2 January 2018|access-date=2 January 2018|archive-date=3 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103081739/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-takes-battle-ahrar-al-sham-near-strategic-east-ghouta-base-video/|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, rebels were still trying to capture the Vehicle Base and municipal building, despite heavy artillery and airstrikes,{{cite news|title=Ongoing and violent battles take place between the regime forces and the factions of the Ghouta and the latter seek to advance amid missiles and aerial shelling|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=81951|work=SOHR|date=2 January 2018}} managing to widen their control of the army base.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels/syrian-army-preparing-assault-to-end-rebel-siege-of-base-east-of-capital-idUSKBN1ES03U Syrian army preparing an assault to end rebel siege of base east of capital], Reuters, 3 January 2018

On 3 January, the Syrian Army and Russian Air Force escalated bombing of rebel-held areas with the intention of relieving the 200 troops trapped in the base.Zeina Khodr [http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/syria-government-air-strikes-intensify-ghouta-180102145701397.html Government air raids intensify in Syria's Eastern Ghouta], Al-Jazeera, 3 January 2018 Strikes on Mesraba and Arbin on 4 January reportedly caused dozens of deaths, including civilians and children.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-42566063 Syria war: 'Russian strikes' kill 25 in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta], BBC, 4 January 2018[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-civil-war-russia-jets-kill-civilians-bombing-dead-damascus-misraba-assad-regime-putin-a8140951.html Syrian civil war: Russian jets suspected of killing at least 30 people after bombing residential buildings near Damascus], Independent, 4 January 2018 On 4 January, the Syrian Army began their counter-offensive to relieve the siege on the Armoured Vehicle Base. Government forces recaptured "dozens of buildings" and the Syrian Army advanced to within {{convert|400|m}} of the Vehicle Base.{{cite news|title=Breaking: Syrian Army 400 meters to lifting siege on base in east Damascus, kills, captures dozens of militants|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-400-meters-lifting-siege-base-east-damascus-kills-captures-dozens-militants/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=4 January 2018|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-date=21 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121005659/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-400-meters-lifting-siege-base-east-damascus-kills-captures-dozens-militants/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/82079/|title=The regime forces achieve advancement in their counter attack to lift the siege imposed on the Vehicle Department in the Eastern Ghouta under a cover of intensive aerial and ground shelling - The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=4 January 2018}} During the fighting, an air-strike hit a building near the rebel positions, leaving 16 rebel fighters dead.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-admit-heavy-losses-east-damascus/|title=Islamist rebels admit heavy losses in east Damascus|date=5 January 2018|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-date=14 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914110356/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamist-rebels-admit-heavy-losses-east-damascus/|url-status=dead}} On 5 January, the Syrian army reportedly recaptured the Basher Hospital from the rebels as part of a renewed push in Harasta district and were within {{convert|100|m}} of the military vehicle depot base from the western direction.{{cite news|title=Breaking: Syrian troops within 100 meters of lifting siege on base in east Damascus amid room-to-room fight|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-troops-within-100-meters-lifting-siege-base-east-damascus-amid-room-room-fight/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=6 January 2018|access-date=5 January 2018|archive-date=9 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909191437/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-troops-within-100-meters-lifting-siege-base-east-damascus-amid-room-room-fight/|url-status=dead}} Further pro-government airstrikes on residential areas of Harasta were reported on 6 January.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/video/world/syrian-reporter-injured-on-camera-while-covering-ongoing-civil-war/2018/01/04/2efa9340-f088-11e7-95e3-eff284e71c8d_video.html Watch: Workers rescue Syrians after airstrikes hit near Damascus], Washington Post, 6 January

On 7 January, pro-government sources reported that the 4th Armoured Division captured a mill to the west of the base, enabling them to announce that they had broken the siege.{{cite news|title=Breaking: Syrian army breaks rebel siege of key East Damascus military base|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-breaks-rebel-siege-key-east-damascus-military-base/|work=Al-Masdar News|date=7 January 2018|access-date=7 January 2018|archive-date=11 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190911200904/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-breaks-rebel-siege-key-east-damascus-military-base/|url-status=dead}} The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that government forces had opened a road to the base.{{cite news|title=After 8 days of being besieged by the factions, the regime forces open a road to the Vehicle Department near Harasta and about 160 fighters and members were killed since the beginning of the attack|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=82280|work= SOHR|date=7 January 2018}} The following morning, SOHR reported the Division was attempting to widen the corridor opened to the vehicle base,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=82292 Few hours after opening a corridor for the besieged members inside it…violent clashes take place near the Vehicle Department], SOHR, 8 January 2018 while the rebels were trying to close the gap.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=82325 Major factions of the Eastern Ghouta carry out violent attack to close the gap opened by the regime forces towards vehicle management, tens of raids target Harasta and its vicinity], SOHR, 8 January 2018 Meanwhile, the rebels advanced on the opposite eastern side of the vehicle base, capturing two buildings in the area of the Technical Institute.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=82359 Ahrar al-Sham, Hayyaat Tahrir al-Sham and Rahman Corps advance in the outskirts of the Vehicle Department after a violent attack accompanied by intense shelling], SOHR, 8 January 2018 On 9 January, airstrikes on residential areas of eastern Ghouta continued, with reports of 24 deaths, including 10 children, and at least 13 civilians killed in opposition-controlled Hamourya.[https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/syria-zeid-condemns-upsurge-civilian-casualties-eastern-ghouta-and-idlib Syria: Zeid condemns upsurge in civilian casualties in Eastern Ghouta and Idlib], ReliefWeb, 10 January 2018AFP, [https://www.yahoo.com/news/bombardment-kills-15-civilians-syria-rebel-enclave-155554045.html Children dead in Syria bombardments as UN aid chief visits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011638/https://www.yahoo.com/news/bombardment-kills-15-civilians-syria-rebel-enclave-155554045.html |date=18 January 2018 }}, Yahoo, 9 January 2018 By 10 January, the UN had reported at least 85 civilian deaths since 31 December, including 30 children.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-zeid/u-n-says-syrian-forces-killed-85-civilians-in-besieged-zone-idUSKBN1EZ19L U.N. says Syrian forces killed 85 civilians in besieged zone], Reuters, 10 January 2018 On 11 January, Civil Defense reported that 85 pro-government airstrikes hit Harasta that day.

On 12 January, the rebels repelled a large Syrian Army attack,{{Cite web|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/82596/|title=Ahrar Al-Sham Islamic movement and Jaysh Al-Islam repel a violent attack carried out by the regime forces between Douma and Harasta after shelling since morning by tens of raids, missiles and shells - The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|date=12 January 2018}} despite pro-government claims that the army and allies managed to recapture all of the territories they had lost to the rebels two weeks earlier.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-scores-major-advance-inside-key-damascus-suburb/|title=Syrian Army scores major advance inside key Damascus suburb|date=2018-01-12|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2018-01-11|language=en-US|archive-date=12 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112184815/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-scores-major-advance-inside-key-damascus-suburb/|url-status=dead}} On the same day, the Syrian army captured three farms in the area between Douma and Harasta and was also able to advance in five buildings in the vicinity of the Karajat Al-Hajz (Harasta bus station) near the Governorate Building in the vicinity of Harasta.{{Cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=82615|title=The regime forces advance in 2 areas in the Eastern Ghouta and control 8 farms and buildings near Harasta city after an attack with an intense fire cover|date=2018-01-12|work=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|access-date=2018-01-12|language=en-US}} It was reported that Syrian government forces fired three surface-to-surface missiles filled with poisonous chlorine gas between the cities of Harasta and Douma on 13 January.[http://edition.cnn.com/2018/01/14/middleeast/syria-eastern-ghouta-deaths-intl/index.html Nearly 180 people killed in Syria's Eastern Ghouta in 2 weeks], CNN, 14 January 2018[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-42675657 Syrian war: Reports of chlorine gas attack on rebel-held Eastern Ghouta], BBC 13 January 2018 By 14 January, Civil Defense reported that 177 civilians, including 51 children, had been killed in the previous two weeks, and 811 more have been wounded, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that the offensive had killed about 190 people.[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/01/syria-ghouta-180-killed-weeks-180113133747556.html Syria's Ghouta: 'Nearly 180 killed' in two weeks], Al-Jazeera, 13 January 2018 UNICEF reported that over 30 children were killed and two medical facilities bombed.[https://www.unicef.org/media/media_102458.html A bloody start to a new year in Syria], UNICEF, 14 January 2018 By 17 January, the rebels said that a total of 231 government soldiers, including 107 officers, had been killed in fighting since the base was surrounded in late December.Zaman al-Wasl, [http://syrianobserver.com/EN/News/33726/Regime_Fighters_Killed_Battle_Harasta_Armored_Vehicles_Base_Rebels 231 Regime Fighters Killed in Battle for Harasta's Armored Vehicles Base: Rebels] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118011151/http://syrianobserver.com/EN/News/33726/Regime_Fighters_Killed_Battle_Harasta_Armored_Vehicles_Base_Rebels |date=18 January 2018 }}, Syrian Observer, 17 January 2018

Fighting in Harasta caused mass displacement. On 11 January 2018, the town's local council estimated that at least 900 families had fled since the beginning of January.[http://syriadirect.org/news/beneath-bombs-east-ghouta-residents-movie-from-town-to-town-%E2%80%98with-only-the-clothes-on-our-backs%E2%80%99/ Beneath bombs, East Ghouta residents move from town to town ‘with only the clothes on our backs’] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112195659/http://syriadirect.org/news/beneath-bombs-east-ghouta-residents-movie-from-town-to-town-%E2%80%98with-only-the-clothes-on-our-backs%E2%80%99/ |date=12 January 2018 }}, Syria:Direct, 11 January 2018 The UN reported at least 85 people, including 30 children, killed, and at least 183 injured, by airstrikes and artillery fire across eastern Ghouta since 31 December in the same period. Residents of Harasta reported moving underground to escape the bombs.[https://globalvoices.org/2018/02/20/do-others-know-we-exist-a-nurses-testimony-from-syrias-besieged-eastern-ghouta/# "Do Others Know We Exist?": A Nurse's Testimony from Syria's Besieged Eastern Ghouta], Global Voices, Translation posted 20 February 2018

On 20 January, Syrian government forces announced renewed operations in the area, between Harasta and Erbeen. This offensive was led by Republican Guard and 4th Division fighters. The government reported that dozens of Faylaq al-Rahman and HTS fighters had been killed in action.Izat Charkatli [https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-powerful-assault-harasta/ Syrian Army launches powerful assault in Harasta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211072051/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-powerful-assault-harasta/ |date=11 February 2018 }}, Al-Masdar 20 January 2018 On 22 January, local correspondents of Turkish Anadolu Agency reported air and artillery strikes on Harasta.[http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/assad-regime-attacks-eghouta-with-chlorine-gas/1038892 Assad regime attacks E.Ghouta with chlorine gas], Andalou, 22 January 2018 On 1 February, SOHR reported that at least 27 shells targeted Harasta.Syria Deeply [https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/executive-summaries/2018/02/01 Executive Summary for 1 February] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211081609/https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/executive-summaries/2018/02/01 |date=11 February 2018 }}, 1 February 2018 Aid agencies reported that residents were now permanently sheltered in basements and underground shelters. 15,000 residents of Harasta, Modira, and Al Marj were displaced that week to other areas in the Eastern Ghouta enclave.World Health Organization [https://reliefweb.int/report/syrian-arab-republic/health-cluster-weekly-situation-report-whole-syria-week-4-19-25-january Health Cluster Weekly Situation Report: Whole of Syria, Week 4, 19- 25 January 2018], ReliefWeb{{Additional citation needed|This VBIED is not reported elsewhere that I can find - need better source for detail this specific and for attribution|date=January 2018}}

On 6 February, local activists reported a new wave of strikes, including ground-to-ground missile strikes on Harasta.AP [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-syria-airstrikes-damascus-20180206-story.html Airstrikes outside Syrian capital kill at least 45 civilians], Chicago Tribune, 6 February 2018[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42962988 Syria war: UN calls for truce as government pounds rebel enclave], BBC, 7 February 2018 On 8 February, one person was killed by rebel mortar fire in the government-controlled part of Harasta, according to state news agency SANA.[https://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2018/02/08/-Fresh-regime-air-strikes-kill-at-least-18-in-Syria-enclave.html 200 dead as toll rises over four days of raids on Ghouta], Al-Arabiya, 8 February 2018 Opposition activists reported that 600 air raids had been conducted on Harasta from 5 January to 9 February.Qusay Noor, [https://www.trtworld.com/opinion/the-living-death-of-being-under-siege-outside-of-damascus-15046 The living death of being under siege outside of Damascus], TRT World, 10 February 2018 On 10 February, government sources reported they had "inched forward" in Harasta.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/nationwide-map-syria-february-10-2018/ Nationwide map of Syria – 10 February 2018] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221225459/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/nationwide-map-syria-february-10-2018/ |date=21 February 2018 }}, Al-Masdar, 10 February 2018 Civil Defence and SOHR reported multiple air raids on Harasta during the night of 11 February.[https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180212-syria-regime-kills-6-civilians-in-new-attack-on-eastern-ghouta/ Syria regime kills 6 civilians in new attack on Eastern Ghouta], Middle East Monitor, 12 February 2018[https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/1172686/russian-efforts-%E2%80%98control%E2%80%99-syria-air-traffic Russian Efforts to ‘Control’ Syria Air Traffic], Asharq al-Awsat Monday, 12 February 2018 Ground fighting continued into the following week, with Al-Masdar reporting on 14 February that SAA and rebel fighters had "traded offensives" in the suburb, causing "some of the fiercest firefights" of 2018.Leith Aboufadel [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-battle-map-syria-mid-february-update/ Complete battle map of Syria: mid-February update] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222045300/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-battle-map-syria-mid-february-update/ |date=22 February 2018 }}, Al-Masdar 14 February 2018

The Rif Dimashq offensive (February 2018) began on 18 February, with heavy bombing across Eastern Ghouta. The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Syria crisis said on 23 February that 80% of people in Harasta were now living in basements to escape the bombs.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aid/u-n-syria-aid-chief-says-security-council-must-see-need-for-ceasefire-idUSKCN1G62BQ U.N. Syria aid chief says Security Council must see need for ceasefire], Reuters 23 February 2018 The place was bombed again on 23[https://abcnews.go.com/International/airstrikes-continue-pound-eastern-ghouta-ahead-vote/story?id=53310940 Horrific moment rebel mortar shell kills 3 children at Damascus school (video)], Al-Masdar 23 February 2018 and 24 February.[https://abcnews.go.com/International/airstrikes-continue-pound-eastern-ghouta-ahead-vote/story?id=53310940 Airstrikes continue to pound Eastern Ghouta ahead of UN vote], ABC News, 24 February 2018[https://web.archive.org/web/20180224234317/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-ghouta/u-n-security-council-demands-truce-as-air-strikes-batter-syrias-ghouta-idUKKCN1G80GZ U.N. Security Council demands truce as air strikes batter Syria's Ghouta], Reuters, 24 February 2018

A UN resolution on 25 February called for a 30-day ceasefire across Syria. Government ground troops advanced, with Syrian state TV claiming to have captured several buildings in Harasta,AP [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/syrian-capital-suburbs-calm-un-cease-fire-vote-074736294.html Violence drops in Syrian capital, its suburbs after UN vote] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226212204/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/syrian-capital-suburbs-calm-un-cease-fire-vote-074736294.html |date=26 February 2018 }}, Yahoo News, 25 February 2018 and Civil Defence reporting air and artillery attacks.[http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/assad-regime-targets-e-ghouta-with-gas-white-helmets/1073665 Assad regime targets E. Ghouta with gas: White Helmets], Anadolu Agency, 26 February 201 On 26 February, Syrian state TV broadcast live footage showing Harasta being pounded by airstrikes and artillery, saying the target was HTS fighters. The fighting was mostly concentrated in the Harasta Farms area on the edge of town. Monitors and Civil Defense reported civilian mortalities in the fighting.AP [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-02-26/urgent-despite-cease-fire-10-more-killed-in-rebel-damascus-suburbs UN Leader Says Raging Syria Violence Is ‘Hell on Earth’], Bloomberg, 26 February 2018 On 23 March 2018, the Syrian army captured Harasta.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=87606|title=The final batch departs from Harasta to the Syrian north, the first agreement in Ghouta ends and the regime controls over 90% of the Eastern Ghouta|publisher=SOHR|date=23 March 2018|access-date=23 March 2018}}

{{reflist}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Battle of Harasta (2017-18)}}

Category:Battles of the Syrian civil war in 2017

Category:Battles of the Syrian civil war in 2018

Category:November 2017 in Syria

Category:December 2017 in Syria

Category:January 2018 in Syria

Category:Damascus in the Syrian civil war

Category:Attacks on hospitals during the Syrian civil war