Damascus: At least 20 rebels were killed by the Syrian army in the northern part of the capital Damascus Monday, media reported.
Syrian troops eliminated 20 terrorists in the industrial city of Adra, north of Damascus, while they were attempting to flee toward the Dumair suburb of Damascus, Xinhua reported citing SANA news agency.
This is the latest in a string of successful military operations the Syrian troops have carried out during which dozens of rebels have been killed over the past few days.
The Syrian forces also ambushed another militant group between the towns of Ein al-Hasan and al-Saen, east of the central city of Homs Monday, killing and wounding more than 20 of them.
The death toll in Sunday’s Syrian military ambush against rebels rose to 63 in the Jouret al-Shaiah area of Homs, including field commanders of the rebels.
Syrian troops have recently recaptured several villages and towns in central Syria, cutting off the main supply routes of rebels from neighbouring Lebanon.
The army also tightened the noose around armed groups in the countryside of Damascus and blocked several attempts to storm the capital.
The army’s offensive and its tightening blockade of some hotspots prompted the rebels to intensify their mortar attacks on safe areas in Damascus, presumably to shift the government’s attention and alleviate pressure on tense areas.