Rif Dimashq offensive (August–November 2014)

The capture of the town of Al-Malihah by the Syrian Army in mid-August 2014, was followed by an Army push in Jobar later that month. Some 150 rebels were killed during an Army offensive supported by airstrikes on 29 August.{{cite web|url=http://ria.ru/world/20140829/1021945726.html|script-title=ru:Сирийская армия уничтожила 150 боевиков в пригороде Дамаска|publisher=RIA Novosti|language=ru|date=29 August 2014|access-date=31 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/29/c_133606473.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830213042/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/29/c_133606473.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 30, 2014|title=Syria army fights fiercely against rebels in Jobar|publisher=Xinhua|date=29 August 2014|access-date=3 September 2014}} Dozens more were killed after the government carried out 25 airstrikes on the neighbourhood on 2 September.{{cite web|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-02/269333-unprecedented-regime-strikes-on-syria-rebel-jubar-district.ashx#axzz3C64l1vY1|title='Unprecedented' regime strikes on Syria rebel Jubar district|publisher=The Daily Star|date=2 September 2014|access-date=2 September 2014|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019111920/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-02/269333-unprecedented-regime-strikes-on-syria-rebel-jubar-district.ashx#axzz3C64l1vY1|url-status=dead}}

Army and Hezbollah troops also captured the town of Heteta al-Jersh, east of Al-Malihah, after days of heavy fighting.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/579212688853740|title=Reef Dimashq province|website=Facebook |access-date=25 October 2014}}

On 7 September, clashes erupted around al-Dokhania, in an attempt by government forces to re-gain control of al-Dokhania, which was taken over by the al-Nusra Front a day earlier as it killed no less than 40 regular soldiers in the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/579959625445713|title=Reef Dmahq province|website=Facebook |access-date=25 October 2014}} The next day, fighting in al-Dokhania left 10 rebels dead amid the Army counter-attack. The rebel attack on al-Dokhania was seen as an attempt to ease the pressure on other nearby rebel-held areas which had been coming under an Army attack in previous days.{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-09-09/syria-regime-pounds-rebels-near-damascus3a-monitor/5729302|title=Syria regime forces launch offensive against rebel-held Dukhaniyeh, near Damascus: monitor|work=ABC News|date=8 September 2014 |access-date=25 October 2014}}

On 23 September, the SAA unleashed an offensive which led to the capture of the Steel Factory, the ‘Adra Petrol Station, the Detergent Plant, the chemical factory and the ‘Adra Bakery. According to a military source, two of the leaders of Jabhat Al-Islamiyya were killed during the battle. 102 rebels were killed, while the Army and NDF suffered 48 dead.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-map-adra-village-immersed-bloodshed/|title=Battle Map of Adra; The Village Immersed in Bloodshed|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010092559/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-map-adra-village-immersed-bloodshed/|url-status=dead}}

On 25 September, government forces took full control of Adra al-Omalia (Adra Industrial Sector).{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/587617804679895|title=Reef Dimashq province: rose to 29, the... - Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |website=Facebook|publisher=SOHR|access-date=25 October 2014}} Two days later, government troops pressed their offensive and captured the Adra al Balad Area,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/588593167915692|title=Rif Dimashq Province: The regime army... - Syrian Observatory for Human Rights - Facebook|website=Facebook |access-date=25 October 2014}} thus the Army captured all of Adra.

27 rebels died during the day, while 38 surrendered.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-adra-civilians-rescued-jaysh-al-islam/|title=Syrian Army Liberates 'Adra; Civilians Rescued from Jaysh Al-Islam|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019235328/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-adra-civilians-rescued-jaysh-al-islam/|url-status=dead}} 73 soldiers were killed during the battle for the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-map-update-analysis-east-ghouta/|title=Battle Map Update and Analysis: East Ghouta|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010092906/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-map-update-analysis-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}

On 28 September, the Army recaptured al-Dukhaniyya, ending the rebels' bid to relieve pressure on the Jobar front.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/589119587863050|title=Rif Dimashq Province 28-09-2014|website=Facebook |access-date=25 October 2014}}{{cite web|title=Breaking: Al-Dakhaniyya has been Liberated; 'Ayn Tarma and Jobar Next|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-al-dakhaniyya-liberated-ayn-tarma-jobar-next/|website=Al-Masdar News|access-date=28 September 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010092917/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-al-dakhaniyya-liberated-ayn-tarma-jobar-next/|url-status=dead}}

On 29 September, the situation in the al-Dukhaniyya area remained fluid,{{cite web|title=Syrian Army pushes ahead in Adra|url=http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-29/272314-syrian-army-pushes-ahead-in-adra.ashx#axzz3EhWFu8Xg|publisher=The Daily Star|access-date=29 September 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006081426/http://dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2014/Sep-29/272314-syrian-army-pushes-ahead-in-adra.ashx#axzz3EhWFu8Xg|url-status=dead}} while the Army captured Al-Suwan and was fighting for Tal Kurdi as they advanced towards Douma.{{cite tweet|number=516530239393263616|user=ejmalrai|title=It seems Tal-al-Kurdy will fall after Al-Suwan around #Duma by #SAA and #Hezbollah forces in #Syria |accessdate=25 October 2014|date=29 September 2014}} 16 al-Nusra Front fighters were killed in the clashes on the outskirts of al-Dukhaniyya during the day. The next day, fighting continued in the Tal Kurdi and al-Qatari farmlands on the outskirts of Douma.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/590005034441172|title=Rif Dimashq Province 30-09-2014|website=Facebook |access-date=25 October 2014}}

On 6 October, the Army fully secured the al-Dukhaniyya{{cite web|url=http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=68353|title=Syria army seizes strategic area outside Damascus|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=9 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009072324/http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=68353|url-status=dead}} as it continued the offensive against Douma.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/10/syria-regime-victory-adra-douma.html|title=Syrian army closes in on Douma after Adra victory|publisher=Al-Monitor|date=6 October 2014|access-date=7 October 2014}}

On 8 October, a government source reported the military captured the town of Al-Rayhan, near Douma.{{cite tweet|number=519987076205666304|user=PetoLucem|title=Loy.s: #SAA /#NDF captured the town of Al-#Rayhan near the insurgent stronghold #Duma. #Ghouta #Damascus #Syria |accessdate=25 October 2014|date=8 October 2014}} This was partially confirmed by the SOHR when it reported, two days later, ongoing clashes in the area with advances by government forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/595214543920221?comment_id=595215127253496¬if_t=like|title=SOHR|website=Facebook |access-date=25 October 2014}} According to a military source, 53 rebels were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-republican-guard-liberate-al-rayhan-liberation-jobar-coming/|title=Syrian Republican Guard Liberates Al-Rayhan; Liberation of Jobar is Coming|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010092927/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-republican-guard-liberate-al-rayhan-liberation-jobar-coming/|url-status=dead}}

On 11 October, the Republican Guard captured Wadi Ayn Tarma (Ayn Tarma valley) in East Ghouta.{{cite web|title=Rif Dimashq Province|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/595755190532823|website=Facebook|access-date=12 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-vital-city-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army Liberates Vital City in the East Ghouta|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021034025/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-vital-city-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} According to a military source, nearly 180 Jaysh Al-Islam fighters were killed during the one-month siege of the area, including their top commander. The use of bunker buster bombs by the Air Force was reportedly the deciding factor in the fighting since they exposed and obstructed the rebel’s underground supply routes which forced the rebels to retreat and the Republican Guard was able to cross the Baradi river.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-map-field-reports-east-ghouta/|title=Battle Map and Field Reports from the East Ghouta|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021021031/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-map-field-reports-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} This brought government forces to the edge of the rebel-held town of Ayn Tarma.{{cn|date=August 2021}}

By this time,[https://dogmaandgeopolitics.wordpress.com/2014/10/11/syrian-army-liberates-waadi-ayn-turmaa-400-of-obamas-rats-killed-saa-kills-notorious-terrorist-in-derah/ Syrian Army liberates Waadi ayn Turmaa, 400 of Obama’s rats killed, SAA kills notorious terrorist in Derah] government forces had also secured Tal Kurdi, Al-Rayhan and the al-Alia farms. This opened the Damascus-Baghdad road and effectively cut all rebel military and relief supplies to Douma.[http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/11/syria-douma-protest-jaish-al-islam.html# As Syrian army closes in, Douma residents turn against rebels]

As of 13 October, according to Al-Masdar News, the Syrian Army controlled 70% of Jobar and was advancing towards Parliament Square. The next day, they reported the Army had secured 75% of Jobar and was attacking rebel positions at the Maysaloun Roundabout.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/75-percent-jobar-saa-control-hezbollah-kills-55-militants-rif-dimashq/|title=75 Percent of Jobar is Under SAA Control; Hezbollah Kills Over 55 Militants in Rif Dimashq|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=25 October 2014|archive-date=20 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020233952/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/75-percent-jobar-saa-control-hezbollah-kills-55-militants-rif-dimashq/|url-status=dead}} 15 rebels were killed in the fighting in Jobar, near al-Zablatani.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/2014/10/15-islamic-fighters-killed-by-clashes-against-regime-forces-in-jobar-damascus/?doing_wp_cron=1413401149.3744299411773681640625|title=15 Islamic fighters killed by clashes against regime forces in Jobar, Damascus|date=15 October 2014 |access-date=21 November 2014}}

On 16 October, rebels launched a counter-attack against the Army's rear flank in Jobar and advanced past the Old Cemetery before the military managed to regroup, repulse their attack and recover lost ground, according to Al-Masdar News. At least 23 rebels and 12 soldiers were killed in the fighting.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tug-war-battle-jobar-saa-jaysh-al-islam/|title=Tug-of-War Battle in Jobar Between the SAA and Jaysh Al-Islam|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=16 October 2014|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010093555/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tug-war-battle-jobar-saa-jaysh-al-islam/|url-status=dead}}

On 19 October, the Syrian Army fully captured the Zamalka bridge in the Jobar district which resulted in the loss of multiple supply lines for the rebels in Jobar.{{cite web|url=http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930727000410|title=Syria in Last 24 Hours: Army Regains Control of Strategic Bridge in Damascus Countryside|publisher=Fars News|date=19 October 2014|access-date=19 October 2014|archive-date=2 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202195842/http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13930727000410|url-status=dead}} The same day, the Syrian Army secured a tunnel network which served as a supply line for the rebels in Jobar.{{cite tweet|number=523879141368946688|user=PetoLucem|title=Loy.s.: #SAA forces have secured a tunnel network (main supply route for insurgents) at #Zamalka bridge near #Jobar . #Damascus #Syria |accessdate=25 October 2014|date=19 October 2014}}

On 20 October, government troops in Jobar were reinforced with newly trained special forces members.{{cite tweet|number=524171402518482944|user=ejmalrai|title=New Syrian Special Forces have been injected into the battle of Jobar to support the regular #SAA. These are the new Elite. #Syria. |accessdate=25 October 2014|date=20 October 2014}}

On 28 October, the Army captured the villages of Hosh Al-Farah and Al-Mayda’a. According to a military source, 42 rebels and 13 soldiers were killed in the fighting.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/603485269759815 |title=Rif Dimashq Province: The regime forces... - Syrian Observatory for Human Rights |publisher=Facebook |date=2014-10-28 |access-date=2017-03-02}}{{cite web|title=Syrian Army Captures 2 Villages in the East Ghouta|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-2-villages-east-ghouta/|website=Al-Masdar News|access-date=28 October 2014|archive-date=28 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028190614/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-2-villages-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} Two days later, the Syrian Army also took over the eastern hub of Jobar, leaving the rebels only in control of the Al-Manasher Roundabout and Parliament Square.{{cite web|title=Jobar Military Operations Reaching Final Stages; Jaysh Al-Islam Infiltrates into Hawash Al-Farah|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jobar-military-operations-reaching-final-stages-jaysh-al-islam-infiltrates-hawash-al-farah/|website=Al-Masdar News|access-date=30 October 2014|archive-date=30 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030194434/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jobar-military-operations-reaching-final-stages-jaysh-al-islam-infiltrates-hawash-al-farah/|url-status=dead}} On 1 November, fighting in the Hosh Al-Farah area 30 rebels were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/147561/30-opposition-fighters-killed-in-syria-activists-claim|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102100322/http://www.worldbulletin.net/news/147561/30-opposition-fighters-killed-in-syria-activists-claim|url-status=usurped|archive-date=November 2, 2014|title=30 opposition fighters killed in Syria, activists claim|work=World Bulletin|access-date=21 November 2014}} During this time, dozens of people reportedly entered the al-Qadam area after an agreement was reached between the government and rebels through mediation.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/604332269675115|title=Damascus Province|publisher=SOHR|date=29 October 2014}}

On 6 November, government troops captured the farm area of Balaa Al-Jadeeda,{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/east-ghouta-battle-map-update-republican-guard-captures-balaa-farms/|title=East Ghouta Battle Map Update: Republican Guard Captures Balaa Farms|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=21 November 2014|archive-date=19 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119071303/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/east-ghouta-battle-map-update-republican-guard-captures-balaa-farms/|url-status=dead}} east of Mliha, thus completing the encirclement of the town of Zabdin.{{cite web|url=http://umap.openstreetmap.fr/fr/map/desyracuse-syria-civil-war-syria-civil-war-8-novem_21226#14/33.4945/36.3809|title=deSyracuse map on 8 november 2014|access-date=21 November 2014}} Four days later, the Army entered Zabdin from the northeast, following the capture of the farm area southeast of Heteta al-Jersh, and heavy fighting ensued.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-farms-zibdeen-hateet-al-jarash/|title=Syrian Army Captures Farms in Zibdeen and Hateet Al-Jarash|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=21 November 2014|archive-date=10 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110174040/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-farms-zibdeen-hateet-al-jarash/|url-status=dead}} Clashes also occurred in Der al-Asafir.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/posts/609690652472610|title=Reef Dimashq province|website=Facebook |access-date=21 November 2014}}

On 17 November, the Army captured the Tal Al-Rayhan hill, southwest of Al-Rayhan, breaking a brief rebel siege of the village.

On 22 November, the Army captured Zabdin,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/documents.sy/posts/838561236206634|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141122174900/https://www.facebook.com/documents.sy/posts/838561236206634|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 22, 2014|title=Syrian Army captured city Zebdin|work=document.sy|access-date=22 November 2014}} or at least a part of it. The fighting left 12 soldiers dead.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/2014/11/12-elements-from-the-regime-forces-killed-in-rif-dimashq/|title=12 elements from the regime forces killed in Rif Dimashq|work=SOHR|date=22 November 2014 |access-date=22 November 2014}} In the afternoon, an opposition counter-attack was launched resulting in the rebels recapturing some parts of the town before they were pushed back. 40 rebels were killed.{{cite tweet|number=536482765362200576|user=PetoLucem|title=@RYOmoha Acc. 2 a source insurgents retook some areas yesterday and then retreated again. SAA is in control. |accessdate=23 November 2014|date=23 November 2014}}{{cite web|title=East Ghouta Battle Map: Syrian Army Captures Zibdeen and Tal Al-Rayan|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/east-ghouta-battle-map-syrian-army-captures-zibdeen-tal-al-rayan/#prettyPhoto|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=23 November 2014|archive-date=29 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129054648/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/east-ghouta-battle-map-syrian-army-captures-zibdeen-tal-al-rayan/#prettyPhoto|url-status=dead}} Later that night, over 25 soldiers were reportedly killed in a rebel ambush in the Zabdin area which forced government forces to pull back from the area.{{cite web|url=http://syriahr.com/en/2014/11/islamic-fighters-ambush-and-kill-no-less-than-25-soldiers-in-regime-forces-in-zabdin/|title=Islamic fighters ambush and kill no less than 25 soldiers in regime forces in Zabdin|work=SOHR|date=23 November 2014 |access-date=23 November 2014}} A pro-government source denied the retreat,[https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/536594787403825152 Peto Lucem] although it was later confirmed rebels had recaptured the western part of the town.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/comprehensive-update-rif-dimashq-governorate/|title=A Comprehensive Update from the Rif Dimashq Governorate|publisher=Al-Masdar|date=3 December 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010092217/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/comprehensive-update-rif-dimashq-governorate/|url-status=dead}}

In early December, fighting continued in Zabdin with troops from the 4th Division reportedly managing to breach rebel defenses in the western part of Zabdin and entering it.

Fighting also intensified in Darayya where the military captured four city blocks, but the situation overall was that both sides were competing in a tireless battle to regain territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rif-dimashq-syrian-army-destroys-large-tunnel-darayya/|title=Rif Dimashq: Syrian Army Destroys a Large Tunnel in Darayya|publisher=Al-Masdar|date=2 December 2014|access-date=5 December 2014|archive-date=8 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208144055/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rif-dimashq-syrian-army-destroys-large-tunnel-darayya/|url-status=dead}} A week later, an opposition source reported that the rebels reversed the Army's gains in the town.{{Cite web |url=http://www.syriadirect.org/rss/1740-syria-direct-news-update-12-10-14 |title=Syria Direct: news Update 12-10-14 - Syria Direct |access-date=2014-12-19 |archive-date=2014-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219142312/http://www.syriadirect.org/rss/1740-syria-direct-news-update-12-10-14 |url-status=dead }} On 10 December, the pro-opposition news agency ARA claimed the military imposed their control on Darayya, but it was not independently confirmed.{{cite web|title=Pro-Assad forces regain areas near Damascus|url=http://aranews.net/2014/12/pro-assad-forces-regain-areas-near-damascus/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214181328/http://aranews.net/2014/12/pro-assad-forces-regain-areas-near-damascus/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 14, 2014|website=Ara News|access-date=10 December 2014}}

In mid-December, a military source reported that the 105th Brigade of Republican Guards had the east district of Jobar under complete fire control and that approximately 800 rebels were trapped inside the city district with almost no ways to retreat.{{cite web|title=Breaking News: Jobar's East District Under Syrian Army Fire Control|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-news-jobars-east-district-syrian-army-fire-control/|website=Al Masdar|date=13 December 2014|access-date=13 December 2014|archive-date=20 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220050217/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-news-jobars-east-district-syrian-army-fire-control/|url-status=dead}}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rif Dimashq offensive 2014 August}}

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2014

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Hezbollah

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the al-Nusra Front

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Category:Rif Dimashq Governorate in the Syrian civil war