| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse"
|+ |
| style="background:lavender;"
!Name
!Population
!District
!Held by
!History during the Syrian Civil War |
| Damascus – Barzeh
|47,339
|Damascus District
|n40x40px
|{{anchor|Damascus}}{{anchor|Barzeh}}Barzeh, a suburb of Damascus, was reported to be contested as of 7 December 2012.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syrian Rebels Say Cease-Fire Deals Prove Deceptive|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/world/middleeast/syria-rebels-say-cease-fire-deals-prove-deceptive.html?_r=1&referrer= | work=The New York Times | first=Anne | last=Barnard| date=17 January 2014 }}] On 14 April, Barzeh, a suburb of Damascus, was reported to be under army control.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-14/253242-assad-says-war-has-reached-turning-point-in-favor-of-regime.ashx|title=Assad says war has reached turning point in favor of regime|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|date=14 April 2014 |access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019184747/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-14/253242-assad-says-war-has-reached-turning-point-in-favor-of-regime.ashx}}] See also: Damascus offensive.In February 2017, the Government demanded that the rebels leave Barzeh as well as the neighbouring Tishreen neighbourhood. After an intense three-month period of fighting, the rebels finally gave up and agreed to be transferred to Idlib. "See also: Qaboun offensive (2017)." |
| Damascus – Jobar
|
|Damascus District
|40x40px
|{{anchor|Jobar}} |
| Damascus – Kafr Sousa
|
|Damascus District
|n40px
|{{anchor|Kafr Sousa}} |
| Damascus – Qaboun
|
|Damascus District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Qaboun}} |
| Damascus – Tadamon
|86,793
|Damascus District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Tadamon}}ln late November 2012, the west side of this neighborhood of Damascus was controlled by the Syrian Army whereas the east side was controlled by FSA after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq.[{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9HSinv_2rU,|title=الحدث – معاناة أهالي حي التضامن بجنوب دمشق جراء الحصار المطبق ودون التفات العالم الحر لهم – YouTube|date=12 February 2014|via=YouTube}}] See also: Damascus offensive and Southern Damascus offensive (April 2018) |
| Damascus – Yarmouk Camp
|18.000
|Damascus District
|y40px
|The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) conquest Yarmouk in April 2015. See also Yarmouk camp fighting (2015) and Southern Damascus offensive (April 2018) |
| Damascus
|1,280,781
|Damascus District
|p40px
|{{anchor|Other neighborhoods Damascus}}By mid-July 2012, fighting in Damascus intensified, with a major rebel push to take the city.[{{#invoke:cite|news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9407153/Syrian-rebels-launch-campaign-to-liberate-Damascus.html |title=Syrian rebels launch campaign to 'liberate' Damascus|author1=Ruth Sherlock |author2=Adrian Blomfield |date=17 July 2012|access-date=18 July 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London}}] {{anchor|Qaboun}}On 19 July 2012, the Syrian Army stormed the rebel held Qaboun neighborhood with a large number of tanks.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/201271961645358140.html |title=Tanks roll on Damascus as violence reigns – Middle East |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=29 August 2013}}] {{anchor|Jobar}}On 20 July, the Syrian Army continued its counterattack, storming the neighborhood of Jobar in Damascus, searching for rebels.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=421002 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130061422/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=421002 |archive-date=30 January 2013 |title=NOW News |publisher=Nowlebanon.com |date=4 March 2013 |access-date=29 August 2013 }}] The rebels confirmed they had been forced to withdraw from Al-Midan after the army assault.[{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Gladstone|first=Rick|title=U.N. Extends Syria Mission as Violence Rises to New Heights |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/21/world/middleeast/clashes-continue-after-border-posts-fall-to-syrian-rebels.html?pagewanted=all |newspaper=The New York Times|date=20 July 2012}}][{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syria crisis: UN mission given 30 day extension – Friday 20 July 2012|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/jul/20/syria-crisis-rebels-seize-borders-live#block-16 |newspaper=The Guardian|date=20 July 2012|location=London|first1=Matthew|last1=Weaver|first2=Brian|last2=Whitaker}}] Rebel fighters stormed and burned the Sa'iqa military camp, which was being used as a training facility, in the Basateen al-Mezzeh neighborhood in central Damascus.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/syrian-rebels-storm-military-camp-damascus-district |title=Syrian rebels storm military camp in Damascus district |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=20 July 2012 |access-date=29 August 2013 |archive-date=1 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101060155/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/syrian-rebels-storm-military-camp-damascus-district }}] The conflict reached a decisive phase in late July. Government forces managed to break the rebel offensive on Damascus by pushing out most of the opposition fighters. {{anchor|Qadam}}In November 2012, there was renewed fighting in some of the neighborhoods (Qaboun, Jobar, Qadam) after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq. {{anchor|Mezzeh Airbase}}The Mezzeh Military airport and its nearby military bases are home to the 4th Armored Division. These bases protect central Damascus from the rebel forces in Darayya and Muadamiyat al-Sham. The nearby Mazzeh 86 neighborhood is an Alawite slum and the point of origin for many pro-government militias. |
| Darayya
|78,763
|Darayya District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Darayya}}See Darayya during Syrian Civil War. |
| Douma
|110,893
|Douma District
|y40px
|{{anchor|Douma, Syria}}A battle began on 21 January 2012, after FSA fighters changed their tactics from attack and retreat guerrilla warfare in the suburbs of Damascus to an all-out assault on army and loyalist units. Earlier in January, the FSA had gained control over large portions of Douma. On 31 January 2012, the Syrian Army retakes Douma. Hundreds of troops controlled the mostly deserted streets and arrested hundreds of people.[{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/world/russia-warns-the-un-on-syria-plan-20120201-1qtd1.html |title=Russia warns the UN on Syria plan |work=The Age |date=2 February 2012 |access-date=29 August 2013 |location=Melbourne}}] Complete control was achieved on 30 June when Syrian army troops entered all parts of Douma.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://theuniversnews.com/the-syrian-army-in-douma-30-civilians-killed-in-damascus-according-to-osdh.html |title=The Syrian army in Douma, 30 civilians killed in Damascus, according to OSDH |publisher=The Univers News |date=1 July 2012 |access-date=29 August 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616013530/http://theuniversnews.com/the-syrian-army-in-douma-30-civilians-killed-in-damascus-according-to-osdh.html |archive-date=16 June 2013 }}] On 18 October, after heavy fighting, the FSA retook control of the city.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Denial Is Slipping Away as War Arrives in Damascus|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/world/middleeast/syrian-war-reaches-damascus.html?_r=2&adxnnl=1&smid=tw-share&pagewanted=2&adxnnlx=1351184784-EO/8P3PQ368RZEYv7Dt6tQ|newspaper=The New York Times|date=17 October 2012}}] On 30 October, there were continuing fights in Douma.[{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-damascus-idUKBRE89R03O20121028 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203171047/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-syria-crisis-damascus-idUKBRE89R03O20121028 |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2016 |title=Syrian fighter jets bombard suburbs of eastern Damascus|work=Reuters |date=28 October 2012 |access-date=29 August 2013}}] It was reported to be under rebel control as of 7 December 2012.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/syrian-troops-kill-73-rebels-separate-clashes-015011842.html |title=Syrian troops kill 73 rebels in separate clashes|publisher=Yahoo News |date=30 December 2013 |access-date=30 December 2013}}] On 1 February, the Observatory said that regime-versus-rebel clashes were heavy in the Damascus suburb of Douma.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Feb-01/246038-rockets-bombs-rain-down-as-geneva-ends.ashx |title=Rockets, bombs rain down as Geneva ends|work=The Daily Star |date=1 February 2014}}] On 12 April 2018, the Syrian army took full control of the city Douma.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-raises-flag-over-last-militant-stronghold-in-east-ghouta/ |title=Syrian military raises flag over last militant stronghold in East Ghouta |work=al-Masdar News |date=12 April 2018 |access-date=12 April 2018 |archive-date=18 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118101140/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-raises-flag-over-last-militant-stronghold-in-east-ghouta/ |url-status=dead }}][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/syrian-forces-take-douma_us_5acf2573e4b0701783aba9ca |title=Syrian Government Forces Have Reportedly Taken Control Of Douma |website=HuffPost |agency=Reuters |date=12 April 2018 |access-date=12 April 2018}}] See also: Rif Dimashq offensive (August–October 2012) and Rif Dimashq offensive (November 2012 – February 2013) and Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018). |
| An-Nabk
|32,548
|Al-Nabk District
|y40px
|{{anchor|An-Nabk}}See Battle of Qalamoun (Army push into An-Nabek). |
| Qatana
|33,996
|Qatana District
|n40px
|{{anchor|Qatana}}See Qatana (Syrian Civil War). |
| Qudsaya
|33,571
|Qudsaya District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Qudsaya}}Qudsaya is called "The Lion's Den" because of the presence of a large number of Alawite government supporters.[{{cite journal | url=http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/AssadRegime-web.pdf | title=The Assad Regime: From Counterinsurgency To Civil War | author=Holliday, Joseph | journal=Institute for the Study of War |date=March 2013}}] On 9 November 2013, military sources announced an agreement had been reached in Qudsaya. The agreement establishes a ceasefire and a joint security committee from the army and the opposition militants, under the Syrian flag, which will be raised in the town square. Also as part of the agreement, the two roads leading to Qudsaya will be reopened – the old Safsaf Avenue and the road that links the city to its main suburb.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syria-militants-capitulate-damascus-countryside|title=Syria: Militants Capitulate in Damascus Countryside|work=Al Akhbar English|access-date=4 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141207132229/http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syria-militants-capitulate-damascus-countryside|archive-date=7 December 2014}}] |
| Al-Qutayfah
|26,671
|Al-Qutayfah District
|n40px
|{{anchor|Al-Qutayfah}}On 5 December 2012, government forces stationed in Al-Qutayfah launched rocket shelling on neighboring areas.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} |
| Al-Tall
|44,597
|Al-Tall District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Al-Tall}}In July 2012, the city became an important rebel base around Damascus.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syrian army hitting rebels hard in furious offensive |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/24/4204247/syrian-army-hitting-rebels-hard.html |newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=24 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012}}] When the Battle of Damascus started, the rebels stormed two government buildings and reportedly detained 40 soldiers while seizing a number of weapons. The city was also one of the places where the rebel retreated after their defeat in Damascus. At the end of July, rebels were gathering and massing in Al-Tall to ready themselves for another attack on Damascus.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syrian rebels still hopeful as government regains initiative in Damascus |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-rebels-still-hopeful-as-government-regains-initiative-in-damascus/2012/07/23/gJQA3JLg4W_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=23 July 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012 |first1=Austin |last1=Tice |first2=Liz |last2=Sly}}] At the beginning of August, the Syrian Army started shelling the rebel positions more intensively.[{{#invoke:cite|news |title=Activists: Syria army shells the Damascus Suburbs |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/activists-syria-army-shells-damascus-suburbs |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=13 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231139/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/activists-syria-army-shells-damascus-suburbs }}] The city became completely besieged by the Army after the capture of 3 Syrian journalists by the rebels near the city.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syrian army shells town after rebels seize TV crew |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/10386203 |last=Karam |first=Zeina |author-link=Zeina Karam |newspaper=The Guardian |date=11 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012 |location=London}}] The Syrian Army took control of the city and cleared it of rebel presence 17 August, while the Syrian National Council described the area a "sinister zone".[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Clashes erupt near Damascus military airport: watchdog |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/clashes-erupt-near-damascus-military-airport-watchdog |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=17 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012}}] The three captured journalists were found by the Syrian Army.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syria TV says govt troops free captive journalists |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501713_162-57494290/syria-tv-says-govt-troops-free-captive-journalists/ |work=CBS News |date=16 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012 }}{{dead link|date=August 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}] See also: Rif Dimashq offensive (August–October 2012). |
| Yabroud
|25,891 | Yabrud District
|y40px
|{{anchor|Yabrud}}See Yabroud (Syrian Civil War).
{{anchor|Al-Zabadani}} |
| Al-Zabadani
|26,285
|Zabadani District
|r40px
|See Al-Zabadani (Syrian Civil War). |
| Arbin
|44,934
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|y40px
|{{anchor|Arbin}}On 2 July, FSA had taken control of a number of suburbs north of the capital Damascus, including Arbin. FSA fighters openly patrolled the streets of the suburbs, and clashes occurred less than 10 km from the center of Damascus city itself.[ In November 2012, there was sustained fighting in the town after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq. It was reported to be under rebel control as of 7 December 2012.] |
| Assal al-Ward
|5,812
|Yabrud District
|y40px
|{{anchor|Assal al-Ward}}Since June 2012, the Syrian Army has had control of this town located along the Syrian–Lebanese borders.[ On 15 April 2014, the Syrian army, backed by Hezbollah fighters, retook village Aasal al-Ward.][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-15/253395-syrian-army-enters-aasal-al-ward-after-gunmen-surrender-al-manar.ashx|title=Syrian army retakes Qalamoun village|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025141558/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Apr-15/253395-syrian-army-enters-aasal-al-ward-after-gunmen-surrender-al-manar.ashx|url-status=dead}}] In October 2014, al-Nusra Front launched a heavy attack on al-Jebbah and Assal al-Ward.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2014/10/syria-jabhat-al-nusra-attack-same-as-lebanon-brital-battle.html|title=Heavy casualties in Qalamoun – Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East|work=Al-Monitor|date=14 October 2014 |access-date=10 February 2015}}] |
| Babbila
|50,880
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|r40px
|{{anchor|Babbila}}ln late November 2012, this suburb has seen fighting between FSA and government troops after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq[[https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/535832-syria-army-rebels-agree-new-damascus-area-truce Syria army, rebels agree new Damascus area truce] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314090533/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/nowsyrialatestnews/535832-syria-army-rebels-agree-new-damascus-area-truce |date=14 March 2014 }}. AFP. 17 February 2014.] |
| Beit Sahem
|15,667
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|r40px
|{{anchor|Beit Sahem}}In January 2014, the local opposition committee in the suburb proposed to the government a cease-fire with local autonomy, according to a resident of a neighboring town familiar with the talks. People there were shot as they tried to leave under an abortive deal in December, but they are hungry, and ready to try again.[ At the end of April 2018, rebel forces hand over their territory south of Damascus to Syrian army and evacuated.][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syria-militant-evacuation-from-beit-sahm-to-jarabulus-continues/|title=Syria: Militant evacuation from Beit Sahm to Jarabulus continues|date=5 May 2018|publisher=Al Masdar News|access-date=6 May 2018|archive-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829010600/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syria-militant-evacuation-from-beit-sahm-to-jarabulus-continues/}}]See also Southern Damascus offensive (April 2018) |
| Beit Sawa
|6,249
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|n40px
|{{anchor|Beit Sawa}}Beit Sawa and the nearby Hammurah fields, experienced intermittent shelling by Syrian Army for three days between 30 June to 2 July 2012.[[http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/02/224046.html Saudi Arabia calls for decisive measures on Syria as NATO pleads for 'political' solution] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929045558/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/02/224046.html |date=29 September 2012 }}. Al Arabiya. 2 July 2012.] ln late November 2012, Beit Sawa was under FSA control after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq. |
| Al-Hajar al-Aswad
|84,948
|Darayya District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Al-Hajar al-Aswad}}On 26 July 2012, fighting was reported in the Al-Hajar al-Aswad suburb of the capital, a place described as home to thousands of poor refugees from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights who were at the forefront of the movement against Assad.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/07/201272553949300881.html|title=Syria bolsters troops in battle for Aleppo|access-date=25 October 2014}}] The FSA had withdrawn to the southern suburb of Al-Hajar al-Aswad with the suburb being shelled by Government forces and an activist in the area said that there were still ongoing clashes in the south of the city.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syria crisis: Aleppo battle looms – Thursday 26 July 2012|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/middle-east-live/2012/jul/26/syria-crisis-aleppo-battle-looms-live?intcmp=239#block-8|newspaper=The Guardian|date=26 July 2012|location=London|first1=Matthew|last1=Weaver|first2=Brian|last2=Whitaker}}] On 27 July 2012, the army took it back. On 30 October 2012, clashes broke out in Al-Hajar Al-Aswad between rebels and the army, spreading into the adjacent Yarmuk Palestinian camp.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/air-raids-bombs-rock-damascus/story-e6frf7k6-1226506293707|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713120037/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/air-raids-bombs-rock-damascus/story-e6frf7k6-1226506293707|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2015|title= |work=Herald Sun|access-date=25 October 2014}}][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Oct-30/193220-syria-clashes-erupt-in-palestinian-refugee-camp.ashx#axzz2AmZd4Qsl,|title=Lebanese Daily Star.|work=The Daily Star Newspaper – Lebanon|date=30 October 2012 |access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144318/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Oct-30/193220-syria-clashes-erupt-in-palestinian-refugee-camp.ashx#axzz2AmZd4Qsl,}}] On 19 November, rebels seized the headquarters of an army battalion and air defense base on the edge of the suburb, making it the nearest military base to Central Damascus to fall under rebel control.[{{#invoke:cite|news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/syria-crisis-base-idUSL5E8MJJ8B20121119 | work=Reuters | title=UPDATE 1-Syria rebels say they seize army base on Damascus outskirts | date=19 November 2012}}] In January 2014, reports indicated that opposition fighters fleeing the fallen towns are concentrated in the remaining strongholds, particularly Al-Hajar al-Aswad.[{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Assad Strikes Damascus: The Battle For Syria's Capital |url=http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/ISWAssadStrikesDamascus_26JAN.pdf |website=Institute for the Study of War |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030155312/https://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/ISWAssadStrikesDamascus_26JAN.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-30 |url-status=live |last1=Szybala |first1=Valerie}}] On 15 May 2018, the Syrian Army and allies captured al-Hajar al-Aswad neighborhood completely.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=92209|title=More than two weeks after losing al-Kadam neighborhood and in conjunction of losing in Yarmouk Camp, ISIS loses al-Hajar al-Aswad neighborhood completely for the regime forces and allies|date=15 May 2018|publisher=SOHR}}] See also: Rif Dimashq offensive (August–October 2012). Rif Dimashq offensive (November 2012 – February 2013) and Southern Damascus offensive (April 2018). |
| Harasta
|68,708
|Douma District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Harasta}}Before the war, Harasta was home to the 104th and 105th Republican Guard regiments and has a high population of Alawites in the suburbs,[{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Karouny|first=Mariam|title=Outside Syria's capital, suburbs look like war zone|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-damascus-idUSTRE80P1N620120126|work=Reuters|access-date=28 September 2012|date=26 January 2012}}] In March 2012[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/03/20123215921238440.html |title=Syrian forces assault opposition strongholds |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=21 March 2012|access-date=8 August 2012}}] and again on 21 October 2012 it was reported that Harasta was under heavy government shelling.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/harasta-damascus-suburbs-endures-heavy-shelling-government-forces-activists-say|title=Harasta in the Damascus Suburbs endures heavy shelling by government forces, activists say|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304004022/http://blogs.aljazeera.com/topic/syria/harasta-damascus-suburbs-endures-heavy-shelling-government-forces-activists-say}}] On 25 October, the Syrian army fired heavy tank and rocket barrages, after rebels overran two army checkpoints on the edge of the town.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/201210258572215445.html|title=Syria violence flares ahead of possible truce|access-date=25 October 2014}}] On 26 October 2012, it was shelled with heavy artillery, killing at least 10.[[https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-oct-27-la-fg-syria-truce-violence-20121027-story.html "Dozens killed as Syria cease-fire ends within hours,"] Los Angeles Times (27 October 2012). Retrieved 5 May 2013.] On 30 October, government airstrikes targeted Harasta.[Al Arabiya with Agencies, [http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/30/246621.html "Ramos-Horta warns of 'Somalization' of Syria as airstrikes leave more deaths,"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111180730/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/10/30/246621.html |date=11 November 2012 }} Al Arabiya News (30 October 2012). Retrieved 5 May 2013.] It was reported to be under regime control on 25 November 2012.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.understandingwar.org/press-media/graphsandstat/battle-damascus-current-state-play-syria|title=The Battle for Damascus: The Current State of Play in Syria|last1=Holliday|first1=Joseph|first2=Michael|last2=Lynch|date=7 December 2012|publisher=Institute for the Study of War|access-date=12 December 2012}}] In August 2013 it was reported under rebel control with government advances on key points in the town.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/829132/raid-des-forces-aeriennes-syriennes-sur-le-site-des-attaques-chimiques-supposees.html |title=Raid des forces aériennes syriennes sur le site des attaques chimiques supposées | Dernières Infos | L'Orient-Le Jour |publisher=Lorientlejour.com |date=22 August 2013 |access-date=30 August 2013}}] Government control but rebel advances were reported in January 2014.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/19891334/31-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-bomb-attack-near-capital-monitoring/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140107060334/http://au.news.yahoo.com/world/a/19891334/31-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-bomb-attack-near-capital-monitoring/ |archive-date=7 January 2014 |title=31 Syrian soldiers killed in bomb attack near capital monitoring|date=17 November 2013 |access-date=24 January 2014 }}] Territory in Harasta changed hands repeatedly during the Rif Dimashq offensive (September 2015). It has been the site of fighting in the Battle of Harasta (2017–18) . |
| Kafr Batna
|22,535
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|40px
|{{anchor|Kafr Batna}}On 29 January 2012, Syrian Army tanks entered this suburb of Damascus to force out FSA. Although it has not been verified, opposition activists reported that five FSA soldiers and 14 civilians, including at least one minor, were killed during the raid.[[http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=220400 Forces battle to retake Damascus suburbs]. The Daily Star. 30 January 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2012.] on 4 February 2013, it was reported that the suburb was taken over by the rebels as part of a large push into the capital[{{#invoke:cite|news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE90A0NH20130113 | work=Reuters | title=Syrian forces kill dozens in bombardments: opposition | date=13 January 2013}}] On 17 March 2018, the Syrian army managed to advance and completely control the whole town of Kafrbatna. |
| Muadamiyat al-Sham
|52,738
|Darayya District
|r40px
|{{anchor|Muadamiyat al-Sham}}After a two-day operation at the end of July 2012, which killed 120 people in this suburb,[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syrian tanks pound Damascus suburb, rebels fight back |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFBRE87J06J20120820 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025140338/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFBRE87J06J20120820 |archive-date=25 October 2014 |last=Lyon |first=Alistar |work=Reuters |date=20 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012}}] the Syrian Army started a new operation on 20 August. The rebels repelled the first attack but the Syrian Army quickly managed to overrun the rebels.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Military hits town near Damascus; 100 killed nationwide |url=http://www.firstpost.com/world/military-hits-town-near-damascus-100-killed-nationwide-428303.html |publisher=Firstpost |date=24 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012}}][{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Assad's forces overrun Damascus suburb, kill 20 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/assads-forces-overrun-damascus-suburb-kill-20-141738401.html |last=Hemming |first=Jon |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=21 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012}}] The death toll of the operation was estimated at 86 dead, half of them executed by the Syrian Army for being suspected rebels.[{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Syrian army batters parts of Damascus, 40 killed |url=http://vancouverdesi.com/news/syrian-army-batters-parts-of-damascus-40-killed/ |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20171009195734/http://www.theprovince.com/news/asia-pacific/desi/index.html |archive-date=9 October 2017 |publisher=Vancouver Desi |date=22 August 2012 |access-date=25 August 2012 }}][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/19883002/article-Syrian-forces-kill-23-rebels-in-town-near-Damascus?instance=home_news_lead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105113358/http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/19883002/article-Syrian-forces-kill-23-rebels-in-town-near-Damascus?instance=home_news_lead|title=RN-T.com – Syrian forces kill 23 rebels in town near Damascus|date=5 January 2013|archive-date=5 January 2013|access-date=4 February 2018}}] A car bomb exploded in the town on 31 October, injuring an unknown number of people. By this point, the town was being contested between rebels and government forces.[{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/10/20121031143513140163.html|title=Deadly blast in Damascus as fighting rages|date=31 October 2012|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=31 October 2012}}] On 30 November 2012, there was continued shelling in the suburb from 4th division headquarters and Mezzeh Military Airport.{{citation needed|date=December 2013}} Rebels surrendered to the Syrian Arab Army on 1 September 2016[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/another-besieged-damascus-suburb-surrenders|title=Another besieged Damascus suburb surrenders|work=The National|date= 1 September 2016|access-date=2 September 2016}}] See also: Siege of Darayya and Muadamiyat. |
| Al-Sabinah
|62,509
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|r40px
|{{anchor|Al-Sabinah}}On late November 2012, this suburb has seen fighting between FSA and government troops after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq[[http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/11/07/Syria-retakes-key-rebel-town-near-Damascus-.html Syria retakes key rebel town near Damascus] Al Arabiya, 7 November 2013] {{anchor|Brigade 158}}On 12 March 2013, artillery shelling targeted Hujaira Balad from brigade 158 that is situated on Jabal Suhya south of Al-Sabinah.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.lccsyria.org/11070|title=Syria Today 11-3-2013 – Local coordination committees of Syria|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025135915/http://www.lccsyria.org/11070|archive-date=25 October 2014}}] See also: Rif Dimashq offensive (August–October 2012). |
| Sahnaya
|13,993
|Darayya District
|n40px
|{{anchor|Sahnaya}}Since late November 2012, this suburb was under government control |
| Saqba
|25,696
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|n40px
|{{anchor|Saqba}}On 27 August 2012, rebels attacked government positions in Saqba, overrunning several Army checkpoints. Following the attacks, airstrikes killed an unspecified number of people in Saqba.[{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8610SH20120827|title=Warplane attacks on Damascus suburbs kill 60: activists|work=Reuters|date=27 August 2012|access-date=25 October 2014}}][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/08/20128284366729155.html|title=Air strikes near Damascus kill dozens|access-date=25 October 2014}}] ln late November 2012, Saqba was under FSA control after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=86977|title=Fears for the lives of civilians after the regime forces advanced in the southwestern pocket of the Eastern Ghouta under heavy fire cover|date=17 March 2018 |publisher=SOHR|access-date=17 March 2018}}]See also: Rif Dimashq offensive (August–October 2012). |
| Yalda
|28,384
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|r40px
|{{anchor|Yalda}} ln late November 2012, this suburb was under FSA control after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-enters-southern-damascus-town-for-first-time-in-years/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army enters southern #Damascus town for first time in years|date=6 May 2018|publisher=Al Masdar News|access-date=6 May 2018|archive-date=7 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507003305/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-enters-southern-damascus-town-for-first-time-in-years/}}]See also Southern Damascus offensive (April 2018) |
| Zamalka
|44,661
|Markaz Rif Dimashq
|r40px
|{{anchor|Zamalka}}On 2 July, FSA had taken control of a number of suburbs north of the capital Damascus, including Zamalka. FSA fighters openly patrolled the streets of the suburbs, and clashes occurred less than 10 km from the center of Damascus city itself.[ In November 2012, there was sustained fighting in the town after a regain in strength of the rebels in Rif Dimashq. It was reported to be under rebel control as of 7 December 2012.][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/09/201391912254205742.html|title=Syrian towns rocked by deadly bombings|access-date=25 October 2014}}] |
| Outside listed towns in Rif Dimashq G.
|
|—
|r40px
|{{anchor|Others Damascus}}[[File:Battle of Qalamoun.svg|180px|thumb|right|Frontlines in the Qalamoun Mountains in April 2014{{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Syrian Government control}}
{{leftlegend|#CDEBC9|Opposition control}}
{{leftlegend|#FFF2BF|Hezbollah Presence}}
{{leftlegend|#B6A25F|Contested}}]]Since June 2012, FSA controls rural areas between the Damascus-Homs highway and the Lebanese frontier (north of Zabadani)[ {{anchor|Ghouta}}On 2 July, FSA had taken control of a number of suburbs north of the capital Damascus. FSA fighters openly patrolled the streets of the suburbs, and clashes occurred less than 10 km from the center of Damascus city itself.][{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/2012-07-02/is-syrian-army-losing-control-of-damascus/|title=Is Syrian Army losing control of Damascus?|work=ITV News|date=2 July 2012|access-date=25 October 2014}}] {{anchor|Marj As Sultan}}On 25 November, rebels seized control of the Marj As Sultan Military airbase in Eastern Ghouta after a battle in which two Syrian Army helicopters were shot down[{{#invoke:cite|news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-20487492 | work=BBC News | title=Syria rebels 'seize Marj al-Sultan base near Damascus' | date=25 November 2012}}] {{anchor|Damascus International Airport}}On 29 November, rebels stated that they had blocked access to Damascus International Airport.[{{#invoke:cite|news |first1=Oliver |last1=Holmes |first2=Dominic |last2=Evans |first3=Erika |last3=Solomon |first4=Yasmine |last4=Saleh |first5=Edmund |last5=Blair |first6=Praveen |last6=Menon |first7=Tabassum |last7=Zakaria |first8=David |last8=Alexander |first9=Tarmo |last9=Virki |first10=Justyna |last10=Pawlak |first11=Tom |last11=Pfeiffer |first12=Cynthia |last12=Osterman |title=Fighting cuts access to Damascus airport, flights suspended |date=29 November 2012 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121129 |access-date=30 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129235033/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/11/29/us-syria-crisis-idUSBRE8AJ1FK20121129 |archive-date=29 November 2012 |url-status=live }}] Along the road from Damascus to the airport, there are 7 main bridges; On 2 May, government forces captured the town of Qaysa which lies to the east of Damascus in a steady push north from the city's airport.[{{#invoke:cite|news| url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/middle-east/dozens-massacred-as-syrian-forces-storm-coastal-village-1.1380880 |title=Dozens massacred as syrian forces storm coastal village |newspaper=The Irish Times}}] {{anchor|Brigade 156}}For almost forty years, the majority of Syria's medium- and short-range ballistic missile force has been garrisoned at the Al Qutayfah Tactical SSM Storage and Training Facility, located 25.4 kilometers northeast of Damascus, which is the home of both the Syrian Army's 155th Missile Brigade, equipped with Russian-made SCUD ballistic missiles, and the 156th Missile Brigade, which controls the Syrian Army's entire complement of Russian-made FROG short-range ballistic missiles. {{anchor|Brigade 76}}There is a SCUD missile storage and support facility {{convert|14|mi}} south of Damascus at the Hirjillah Army Barracks which is home of the 76th Armored Brigade of the Syrian Army's 1st Armored Division.[{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.matthewaid.com/post/55089211217/the-syrian-ballistic-missile-force|title=The Syrian Ballistic Missile Force|access-date=25 October 2014}}] See also: 2011 Rif Dimashq blockades, Battle of Jdaidet al-Fadl, Battle of Qalamoun, Al-Otaiba ambush, Rif Dimashq Governorate campaign and Yarmouk camp fighting (2015). |
