Jaysh al-Islam fighters make gains near Damascus

Key rebel group in Eastern Ghouta suburbs near Damascus, Jaysh al-Islam, has tightened the noose on 39 Brigade after three days of fierce fighting, taking control 3 checkpoints, rebel commander said Wednesday.

Islam Army's spokesman, Islam Allouh, told Zaman al-Wasl that powerful air defense base is now under rebels' sight after taking control of neighboring towns as Tal Kurdi, Housh al-Khayyat and Maida'a and surrounding checkpoints.

Islam Army fighters launched their surprise offensive on Monday, the spokesman said.

In relevant development and in an exclusive interview with al-Souria Net,  Zahran Alloush, Islam Army's commander said the major decision-making power in Syria is now in the hands of Iran, explaining that the recent assassination of senior regime officers was carried out on orders from Tehran.


Alloush also claims that the Army of Islam and other factions have developed an extensive plan to deal with the post-Assad stage.