Rif Dimashq offensive (June–October 2016)

On 21 June, 102nd Brigade of the Republican Guard, backed by the Palestine Liberation Army and Hezbollah, captured al-Bahariyah Hill, and soon after overran the rebel defenses at al-Bahariyah, capturing the entire village. In addition to capturing al-Bahariyah, the Syrian Armed Forces and Hezbollah also continued their advance at the Jisreen Farms, where they were able to take control of several sites near the Arab Houses.

On the evening of 24 June, the Army and Hezbollah entered Mayda’a, forcing the rebels from the northern part of the town towards the center.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-prepare-capture-strategic-village-east-ghouta-map/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah prepare to capture key village in East Ghouta: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=27 June 2016|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308104122/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-prepare-capture-strategic-village-east-ghouta-map/|url-status=dead}} One week later, the Army captured the eastern part of Mayda’a.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-new-offensive-eastern-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army launches a new offensive in eastern Ghouta|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=1 July 2016|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308084111/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-new-offensive-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} During this time, government troops also advanced in the Al-Bahariyah Farms and towards the Mayda’a-Nashabiyah axis.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-make-progress-near-strategic-town-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah make progress near strategic town in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=28 June 2016|work=almasdarnews.com|access-date=7 July 2016|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308082341/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-make-progress-near-strategic-town-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} After reaching Mayda’a's center on 4 July,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-rebel-stronghold-eastern-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army continues advance on rebel stronghold in eastern Ghouta|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=4 July 2016|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308104111/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-rebel-stronghold-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} the following day, after nearly two weeks of fighting, the government captured Mayda’a.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-overruns-islamist-rebels-eastern-ghouta/|title=Field Report: Syrian Army overruns Islamist rebels in Eastern Ghouta. Map Update|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=5 July 2016|work=almasdarnews.com|access-date=7 July 2016|archive-date=8 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308092433/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-overruns-islamist-rebels-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0ZM0PZ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707155726/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN0ZM0PZ|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2016|title=Syrian army, rebels agree to 72-hour Eid truce, but fighting continues|date=6 July 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=9 July 2016}} With the capture of Mayda’a, the Army cut the rebel's main ammunition supply line for Eastern Ghouta.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/photos/a.150495128392167.28686.121855461256134/896088313832841/?type=3&theater|title=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|website=Facebook |access-date=9 July 2016}}

On 7 July, a rebel counter-attack recaptured several blocks of Mayda’a, but the following day the military managed to seize back all territory lost, securing Mayda’a once again. The troops then pushed the rebels back a few more kilometers to the west{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-retakes-rebel-bastion-eastern-ghouta-map-update/|title=Field Report: Syrian Army retakes rebel bastion in Eastern Ghouta. Map Update|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=8 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=8 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708155250/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-retakes-rebel-bastion-eastern-ghouta-map-update/|url-status=dead}} and also secured the farms and road between Mayda’a and Al-Bahariyah.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/syriahroe/photos/a.150495128392167.28686.121855461256134/897427580365581/?type=3&theater|title=Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|website=Facebook |access-date=9 July 2016}} Later that day, the Army pushed into the village of Mid’anah, capturing its eastern and southern parts.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-swift-gains-east-ghouta-amid-rebel-collapse/|title=Syrian Army makes swift gains in the East Ghouta amid rebel collapse|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=9 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019172003/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-swift-gains-east-ghouta-amid-rebel-collapse/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-flank-eastern-damascus-collapses-syrian-army-enters-new-village/|title=Rebel flank in eastern Damascus collapses, Syrian Army enters new village: Map|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=8 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 July 2016|archive-date=8 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708225723/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-flank-eastern-damascus-collapses-syrian-army-enters-new-village/|url-status=dead}} On 9 July, the pro-opposition activist group the SOHR confirmed the Army's capture of Mayda’a.[http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2016/07/09/Syrian-regime-takes-town-near-Damascus-on-rebel-supply-path.html Syrian regime takes town near Damascus] Three days later, the military renewed their offensive by making attempts to advance to Hawsh Al-Farah, reportedly capturing several farms east of the village by 12 July.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-storms-strategic-village-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army storms strategic village in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 July 2016|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816150937/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-storms-strategic-village-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}

By 15 July, the government had mostly suspended their offensive in the area. One week later, the Army launched a new assault against Hawsh Al-Farah,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-offensive-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army begins new offensive in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=22 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=22 July 2016|archive-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806211402/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-offensive-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} resulting in a fierce, several-days-long battle. Government forces, attacking from two directions, first targeted the eastern and southern farms surrounding the town.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-islamist-stronghold-near-damascus-map-update/|title=Syrian Army secures Islamist stronghold near Damascus – Map update|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=29 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=29 July 2016|archive-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809221618/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-secures-islamist-stronghold-near-damascus-map-update/|url-status=dead}}

Meanwhile, clashes between Jaysh al-Islam and the Al-Rahman Legion took place in Saqba, reminiscent of the inter-rebel conflict a few months earlier.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-infighting-returns-eastern-ghouta/|title=Rebel infighting returns to eastern Ghouta|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=22 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=22 July 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002184012/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-infighting-returns-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} On 23 July, intense airstrikes targeted several rebel-held towns in East Ghouta, while clashes between government forces and rebels occurred along the al-Salam Highway.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=48611|title=Intensive airstrikes on al-Ghouta cause casualties and injuries|publisher=SOHR|date=23 July 2016|access-date=23 July 2016}} Furthermore, a prisoner exchange between the government and Jaysh al-Islam took place, with a leading Syrian Army colonel and a female Republican Guard major being freed.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/high-ranking-syrian-officer-released-4-years-captivity/|title=High ranking Syrian officer released after 4 years in captivity|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=23 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=23 July 2016|archive-date=23 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723094443/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/high-ranking-syrian-officer-released-4-years-captivity/|url-status=dead}}

After capturing the surrounding farmland, the Republican Guard, backed by Hezbollah and NDF units, stormed Hawsh Al-Farah itself on 26 July,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-village-islamist-heartland/|title=Syrian Army captures new village in Islamist heartland|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=26 July 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816142634/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-village-islamist-heartland/|url-status=dead}} leading to heavy house-to-house fighting. After suffering numerous casualties, rebel forces finally retreated into the countryside on 29 July, leaving the strategically important town to the government. The fall of Hawsh Al-Farah served as a major morale boost for pro-government forces in East Ghouta, and allowed them to impose fire control over several important rebel-held cities in the area, such as Mayda’anah, Hawsh Nasri and Hawsh Shalaq.

On 1 August, the Army entered Hawsh Nasri.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-storms-rural-town-greater-damascus/|title=Syrian Army storms rural town in Greater Damascus|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=1 August 2016|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816160624/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-storms-rural-town-greater-damascus/|url-status=dead}} Five days later, they seized the farms near Hawsh Nasri[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/08/06/%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A3%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%81-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AD%D8%B2%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84/ بعد أيام من القصف والاشتباكات … حزب الله وقوات النظام يتقدمان في غوطة دمشق الشرقية وتسيطر على مزارع فيها] and on 9 August, took control of all{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.net/news/arabic/2016/8/13/%D9%85%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%82-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A5%D8%AF%D9%84%D8%A8|title=مجازر متنقلة بحق المدنيين في حلب وإدلب|access-date=26 August 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-captures-key-town-islamist-bastion/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army captures key town in Islamist bastion|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=9 August 2016|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-date=10 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810151353/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-captures-key-town-islamist-bastion/|url-status=dead}} or most of the town.[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/08/10/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%B2%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7/ قوات النظام وحزب الله اللبناني يواصلان محاولات استكمال السيطرة على حوش نصري في الغوطة الشرقية] This advance brought the Army into position to attack the hilltop of Tal Kurdi from three different flanks.

On 13 August, the military took control of parts of Hawsh Al-Dawahira and its surrounding farms.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=49292 The regime forces and Hezbollah advance in Hosh al-Dawahra in the Eastern Ghouta] At the same time, the Army launched an assault on the strategic Tal Kurdi hill.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attacks-important-hilltop-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army attacks important hilltop in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=13 August 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=14 August 2016|archive-date=14 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814161342/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attacks-important-hilltop-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}

On 15 August, Jaysh al-Islam launched a counter-attack to regain Hawsh Nasri, seizing several points and farms in the area of the town.[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/08/15/%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%8A%D8%AD%D9%82%D9%82-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8B-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%87%D8%AC%D9%88%D9%85%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7/ جيش الإسلام يحقق تقدماً في هجومه المعاكس بالغوطة الشرقية وعشرات الضربات الجوية والصاروخية على مدينة داريا]{{cite web|url=http://en.eldorar.com/node/3007|title=Jaysh al-Islam Launched Counter-attack eastern Ghouta on al-Assad's forces regaining points|date=16 August 2016|publisher=El-Dorar Al-Shamia|access-date=16 August 2016|archive-date=19 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819192741/http://en.eldorar.com/node/3007|url-status=dead}} The rebels renewed their counter-assault on 20 August, and captured further positions in Hawsh Nasri, but lost them later in the day.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-tanks-islamist-rebels-launch-counter-offensive-east-damascus/|title=Battle of the tanks as Islamist rebels launch counter-offensive in east Damascus|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=20 August 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=20 August 2016|archive-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821190807/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-tanks-islamist-rebels-launch-counter-offensive-east-damascus/|url-status=dead}} The next day, the Army fully pushed the rebels out of Hawsh Nasri, and attacked the northern flank of Hawsh Dawahrah.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-east-ghouta-amid-failed-islamist-offensive/|title=Syrian Army advances in East Ghouta amid failed Islamist offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=21 August 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 August 2016|archive-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822233933/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-east-ghouta-amid-failed-islamist-offensive/|url-status=dead}}

On 22 August, the rebels launched an offensive on the western frontlines of Eastern Ghouta, on a one-kilometer front, in order to lift the pressure off the town of Darayya.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-islam-launches-new-assault-east-ghouta/|title=Jaysh Al-Islam launches new assault in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=22 August 2016|access-date=26 August 2016|archive-date=25 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825182504/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-islam-launches-new-assault-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} However, after several hours of fighting, the rebel offensive was repelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-repels-massive-jihadist-offensive-eastern-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army repels massive jihadist offensive in Eastern Ghouta|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=22 August 2016|access-date=26 August 2016|archive-date=25 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825175753/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-repels-massive-jihadist-offensive-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} Following this, the Syrian Army continued its advances in Eastern Ghouta, storming the former signal Army base, near Al-Rayhan, and capturing the storage area of the base. Government forces also reportedly physically cut the rebel supply route between Al-Rayhan and Shifuniyah.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-massive-advances-eastern-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army makes massive advances in Eastern Ghouta|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=22 August 2016|access-date=26 August 2016|archive-date=23 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823181633/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-massive-advances-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}

Towards the end of August, the Army captured Al-Rayhan's farms,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=49827 The regime forces and Hezbollah advance and control farms in the Eastern Ghouta] threatening to encircle Tal Kurdi.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-eastern-ghouta-jihadist-defenses-collapse-video/|title=Syrian Army advances in Eastern Ghouta as jihadist defenses collapse: Video|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=24 August 2016|access-date=26 August 2016|archive-date=26 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826113032/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-eastern-ghouta-jihadist-defenses-collapse-video/|url-status=dead}} Shortly after, government forces captured parts of Al-Rayhan itself, as well as Tal Rayhan hill, placing Tal Kurdi under fire-control.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-near-douma/|title=Syrian Army continues advance near Douma|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=27 August 2016|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=28 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828182154/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-advance-near-douma/|url-status=dead}} The Army also made advances from Hawsh Al-Farah towards Tal Sawwan, near Tal Kurdi.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-inches-closer-jihadist-stronghold-eastern-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army inches closer to jihadist stronghold in Eastern Ghouta|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=30 August 2016|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914060844/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-inches-closer-jihadist-stronghold-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-areas-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army captures new areas in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=1 September 2016|access-date=11 September 2016|archive-date=15 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915054853/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-areas-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} Over the next three weeks, government troops captured Tal Sawwan twice, but subsequently lost it again both times. As of mid-September, the town was still being contested.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-verge-capturing-strategic-east-ghouta-hilltop/|title=Syrian Army on the verge of capturing strategic East Ghouta hilltop|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 September 2016|access-date=12 September 2016|archive-date=13 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913163402/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-verge-capturing-strategic-east-ghouta-hilltop/|url-status=dead}} Meanwhile, on 5 September, pro-government forces stormed the East Ghouta Signal Base, gaining a bridgehead in its southern corridor.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-enters-key-military-base-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army enters key military base in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=5 September 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=6 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906154855/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-enters-key-military-base-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}

At sundown on 12 September, a country-wide ceasefire came into effect.{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/09/syria-shaky-ceasefire-starts-russia-us.html|title=Shaky cease-fire starts in Syria|date=12 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016}} In the Damascus area, the ceasefire was temporarily shaken due to fighting in the suburb district of Jobar.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/clashes-near-damascus-threaten-syrias-fragile-cease-fire/2016/09/16/479cff7e-7b7b-11e6-8064-c1ddc8a724bb_story.html|title=Clashes near Damascus underscore fragility of Syrian cease-fire|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=25 September 2016}}

Between 18 and 19 September, a rebel counter-attack between the East Ghouta Signal Base and Al-Reyhan village was repelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-islam-launches-counter-offensive-east-ghouta-2/|title=Jaysh Al-Islam launches counter-offensive in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=19 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927104519/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-islam-launches-counter-offensive-east-ghouta-2/|url-status=dead}} Later on 20 September, government forces captured the Signal Army Base and the surrounding warehouses.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-advances-eastern-ghouta/|title=Field Report: Syrian Army advances in Eastern Ghouta|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=20 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927103146/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-advances-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} In addition, between 19 and 24 September, the military captured a number of farms in the area around Al-Rayhan, cutting the road to Tal Kurdi.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-large-parts-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army captures large parts of the East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=19 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927082534/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-large-parts-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-east-ghouta-failed-islamist-offensive/|title=Syrian Army advances in East Ghouta after failed Islamist offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=21 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927070812/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-east-ghouta-failed-islamist-offensive/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-islam-verge-collapse-syrian-army-advances-east-ghouta/|title=Jaysh Al-Islam on the verge of collapse as Syrian Army advances in the East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=23 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924161815/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jaysh-al-islam-verge-collapse-syrian-army-advances-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-rapid-advance-east-ghouta-amid-rebel-collapse/|title=Syrian Army continues rapid advance in East Ghouta amid rebel collapse|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 September 2016|access-date=25 September 2016|archive-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924141723/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-rapid-advance-east-ghouta-amid-rebel-collapse/|url-status=dead}} On 25 September, the Army seized the Rehba al-Ishara area,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51136 Regime forces advance over al-Islam army in Reef Dimashq] including the Katibat al-Ishara military base.{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/march-on-douma-regime-breaks-58-day-stalemate-in-east-ghouta/|title=March on Douma: Regime breaks 58-day stalemate in East Ghouta|date=28 September 2016|access-date=18 October 2016}} Meanwhile, the rebels launched a counter-attack to regain the Signal Base. After the assault was repelled, government forces in turn began their attack on Al-Reyhan village.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-counter-offensive-east-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army launches counter-offensive in East Ghouta|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=25 September 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 September 2016|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927133839/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-counter-offensive-east-ghouta/|url-status=dead}}

After fortifying their positions at Rehba al-Ishara, on 1 October, government forces and Hezbollah units attempted to advance towards Al-Reyhan.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=51669|title=After fortifying their positions in Rahbat al-Ishara, regime forces are trying to advance in the surrounding farms|publisher=SOHR|date=1 October 2016|access-date=1 October 2016}} As of 3 October, they were within three kilometers of the rebel's largest stronghold in East Ghouta, the town of Douma.{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-raids-destroy-aleppo-hospital-as-qaeda-leader-killed/3177404.html|title=Syria raids destroy Aleppo hospital as Qaeda 'leader' killed|access-date=18 October 2016|archive-date=7 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007212014/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/syria-raids-destroy-aleppo-hospital-as-qaeda-leader-killed/3177404.html|url-status=dead}} On 11 October, the Army captured al-Rayhan{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-tightens-noose-around-rebel-held-douma-captures-new-town/|title=Syrian Army tightens noose around rebel-held Douma, captures new town|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=11 October 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-date=12 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012080212/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-tightens-noose-around-rebel-held-douma-captures-new-town/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/12/SAA-Captures-strategic-Town-in-Eastern-Ghouta|title=The Inside Source|access-date=18 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018220105/http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/12/SAA-Captures-strategic-Town-in-Eastern-Ghouta|url-status=dead}} and advanced in the Al-Rayhan farms area.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52134 50 killed during clashes around Dabeq between rebels and IS][http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52140 5 killed in Damascus downtown and continued clashes in Reef Dimashq] Five days later, a rebel-counterattack managed to push government forces back from several positions around the town,{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/16/Rebels-Launch-Counter-Attack-in-Ghouta|title=The Inside Source|access-date=18 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018204332/http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/10/16/Rebels-Launch-Counter-Attack-in-Ghouta|url-status=dead}} with the rebels retaking the western part of Al-Rayhan. On 18 October, the Army launched a renewed push in the west of al-Rayhan{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-new-attack-east-ghouta-foiling-rebel-offensive/|title=Syrian Army launches new attack in East Ghouta after foiling rebel offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=18 October 2016|access-date=18 October 2016|archive-date=18 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018221242/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-new-attack-east-ghouta-foiling-rebel-offensive/|url-status=dead}} in an attempt to cut the supply road for Tal Kurdi,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52618 Regime forces renew the control attempts on supply road between Douma, Tal Kurdi and Tal Sawwan in the Eastern Ghouta] managing to capture the Sbidaj factory area.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=52634 Regime forces advance in the Eastern Ghouta and air and missile strikes target Deir Ezzor city and its countryside] On 25 October, the al-Majd Brigades seceded from the al-Rahman Legion due to the continued differences between Jaysh al-Islam and the al-Rahman Legion that hindered the rebel attempts to halt the government offensive.

On 29 October, the Army captured several factory areas, imposing fire control over Tal Kurdi.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-verge-capturing-major-east-ghouta-stronghold-field-report/ |title=Syrian Army on verge of capturing major East Ghouta stronghold: Field Report |access-date=30 October 2016 |archive-date=30 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030142929/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-verge-capturing-major-east-ghouta-stronghold-field-report/ |url-status=dead }}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=53549 Continued clashes between regime forces and rebels around Tal Kurdi] On 30 October, after more than 50 days of continues fighting,[http://newsweekme.com/syrian-army-edges-closer-towards-rebel-stronghold-capital/ Syrian Army Edges Closer Towards Rebel Stronghold in Capital] the Army had taken control of Tal Sawwan and Tal Kurdi and advanced towards Shefonia and Al-Rayhan.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=53604 Regime forces advance in Tal Kurdi and Tal Soran]{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-rebels-collapse-syrian-army-pushes-deeper-eastern-ghouta/ |title=Field report: rebels collapse as Syrian Army pushes deeper in Eastern Ghouta |access-date=1 November 2016 |archive-date=1 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101164615/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-rebels-collapse-syrian-army-pushes-deeper-eastern-ghouta/ |url-status=dead }}

On 8 November, the Army reported it had captured the western farms of Al-Rayhan, encircling the rebels in western part of the town.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-encircles-insurgent-stronghold-eastern-ghouta/|title=Syrian Army encircles insurgent stronghold in Eastern Ghouta|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=8 November 2016|last=Charkatli|first=Izat|access-date=19 November 2016|archive-date=19 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119181837/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-encircles-insurgent-stronghold-eastern-ghouta/|url-status=dead}} On 12 November, an advance by the Army on the town was repelled.{{cite news|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/11/12/syrian-regime-army-suffers-setback-in-damascus-suburbs|title=Syrian regime army suffers setback in Damascus suburbs|publisher=The New Arab|date=12 November 2016}}

A new offensive was launched against Al-Rayhan on 14 November,[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-military-operation-east-ghouta-2/ Syrian Army begins new military operation in East Ghouta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120005238/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-military-operation-east-ghouta-2/ |date=20 November 2016 }}, Al-Masdar while on 17 November, an attack was also started against the towns of Al-Dawahra and Midaani.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-operation-east-ghouta/ Syrian Army begins new operation in East Ghouta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120005609/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-new-operation-east-ghouta/ |date=20 November 2016 }} ,Al-Masdar News At least 30 civilians were killed in shelling by the Army from 17 to 20 November, on rebel-held towns in the region.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55178 30 casualties and tens of injuries in 4 days of shelling escalation on cities and towns of the Eastern Ghouta], SOHR

The SAA launched another attack on Midaani on 20 November, capturing nine points inside the town.{{cite news |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-islamist-rebels-clash-eastern-ghouta/ |title=Syrian Army, Islamist rebels clash in Eastern Ghouta |author=Zen Adra |publisher=Al-Masdar News |date=20 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016 |archive-date=22 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122073510/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-islamist-rebels-clash-eastern-ghouta/ |url-status=dead }} On the next day, the SAA launched an offensive to reopen the Damascus-Homs highway near Harasta.{{cite news |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-offensive-reopen-strategic-highway-damascus/ |title=Syrian Army launches offensive to reopen strategic highway in Damascus |author=Leith Fadel |publisher=Al-Masdar News |date=21 November 2016 |access-date=21 November 2016 |archive-date=22 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122073513/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-launches-offensive-reopen-strategic-highway-damascus/ |url-status=dead }} It also captured seven farms in Midaani.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55323 Airstrikes target the Eastern Ghouta and more casualties in the countryside of Idlib], SOHR A counterattack by Jaysh al-Islam on Mayda'a was repelled on 23 November. The group claimed that 30 soldiers had been killed in the attack, while SAA claimed it lost only 2.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-foils-desperate-islamist-offensive-east-ghouta/ Syrian Army foils desperate Islamist offensive in East Ghouta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124025555/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-foils-desperate-islamist-offensive-east-ghouta/ |date=24 November 2016 }}, Al-Masdar News

On 29 November, it was reported the Army and Hezbollah had captured the town of Midaani.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-east-ghouta-town-jaysh-al-islams-defenses-collapse/ Syrian Army captures East Ghouta town as Jaysh Al-Islam's defenses collapse] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130042456/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-east-ghouta-town-jaysh-al-islams-defenses-collapse/ |date=30 November 2016 }}, Al-Masdar News[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55940 The regime forces and Hezbollah advance in the Eastern Ghouta and control large parts of Al-Mid’aani] However, the following day, government forces were confirmed to be in control of the northern and eastern parts of the town, and attempting to secure the rest of it.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55985 Explosions rock Damascus and regime forces trying to advance in Maydaani], SOHR On 4 December, the Army once again advanced in the area of Midaani.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56222 Regime forces complete the first stage of agreement in al-Tal], SOHR The Army cut off a rebel supply route between Al-Shifuniyah and Autaya by controlling part of it near Hawsh ad-Dawahirah on 6 December. It also recaptured most of the farms of Hawsh ash-Shalaq village[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-cuts-off-rebel-supply-route-eastern-ghouta/ Syrian Army cuts off rebel supply route in Eastern Ghouta] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207183443/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-cuts-off-rebel-supply-route-eastern-ghouta/ |date=7 December 2016 }}, Al-Masdar News and captured the village itself on the next day.[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-hawsh-al-shallaq-eastern-ghouta-nears-douma/ Syrian Army captures Hawsh Al-Shallaq in Eastern Ghouta, nears Douma] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209160134/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-hawsh-al-shallaq-eastern-ghouta-nears-douma/ |date=9 December 2016 }}, Al-Masdar They captured many farms on outskirts of al-Mid’aani and advanced towards Hazrama on 31 December.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58127 The regime forces manage to advance in about 10 farms in the Eastern Ghouta], SOHR The Army captured most of the Air Defense Battalion on 1 January 2017 near Hazrama after advancing in the farmlands over the previous days.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/01/01/%d9%82%d9%88%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d8%b8%d8%a7%d9%85-%d8%aa%d8%aa%d9%85%d9%83%d9%86-%d9%85%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%af%d9%85-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b3%d9%8a%d8%b7%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d8%b9-2/|title= قوات النظام تتمكن من التقدم والسيطرة على كتيبة الصواريخ في حزرما بغوطة دمشق الشرقية|language=ar|publisher=SOHR}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/01/02/%d8%a7%d8%b3%d8%aa%d9%85%d8%b1%d8%a7%d8%b1-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%b4%d8%aa%d8%a8%d8%a7%d9%83%d8%a7%d8%aa-%d9%81%d9%8a-%d8%ba%d9%88%d8%b7%d8%a9-%d8%af%d9%85%d8%b4%d9%82-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b4%d8%b1%d9%82-5/|title= استمرار الاشتباكات في غوطة دمشق الشرقية وقصف جوي على السرمانية|language=ar|publisher=SOHR}} SAA captured Hazrama on 19 January.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-key-east-ghouta-town-rebel-defenses-collapse/|title=Syrian Army captures key East Ghouta town after rebel defenses collapse|date=19 January 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=4 February 2017|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205100246/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-key-east-ghouta-town-rebel-defenses-collapse/|url-status=dead}}

• Rif Dimashq offensive (April–May 2016)

{{Portal|Asia}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rif Dimashq offensive (April-May 2016)}}

Category:Damascus in the Syrian civil war

Category:Battles of the Syrian civil war in 2016

Category:June 2016 in Syria

Category:July 2016 in Syria

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

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

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Hezbollah