(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian rebels launched surprise attack on regime forces in the eastern Qalamoun region at the edge of Syrian desert, leaving nine troops killed, rebel spokesman said Saturday.
Said Seif, spokesman for Ahmed al-Abdo Battalions, said the US-backed rebel group has also launched rocket attack on Al-Dumayr military airport, 60 km (40 miles east of Damascus), despite regime warning from such act.
The surprise attack came in retaliation to regime offensive on Eastern Ghouta subrubs.
Ahmed al-Abdo Battalions aim to cut the strategic highway that links between Damascus and Baghdad, and eastern Syria.
The 'international road' is the main supply route for regime by the Shiite militias, accroding to Seif
Last week, regime warplanes pounded rebel bastions in the eastern Qalamoun region, killing 4 fighters.
Wessam Abdulnour said the strikes had targeted Jaish al-Islam and Ahmed al-Abdo Battalions.
The regime escalation came as a warning for rebels operating near the besieged Eastern Ghouta suburbs to not take any retaliation in support of their fellow fighters near the capital.
Head of the Third Division warns rebels of the Eastern Qalamoun to not take any 'aggressive act,' against regime forces and allied militias, saying the army will destroy the towns of Qalamoun in response.
In relevant development, Al Badia Cement factory has turned into major arsenal for regime and allied militias, rebels said.
The civil utility in the industrial zone of al-Dumayr town has become a base for the Russian and Iranian military experts along with hundreds of Elite Tiger Force fighters.
Seif said the China-owned cement planet is now the regime’s favorable choice to avoid any Israeli or even American airstrikes, taking advantage of its infrastructure to hide weapons, chemicals and manpower.
The utility cost China $400 million where long hangers and underground depots were built and equipped.
Al Badia Cement is a strategic bastion to provide logistic supply to regime forces in their deadliest offensive on the Eastern Ghouta. Being close to Al Dumayr military airport and the 16th Division, Ballistic Missile base, is also another advantage, Seif said.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said more than 950 people have been killed in eastern Ghouta since the regime and its allies began a massive bombardment of the area on Feb. 18 in preparation for the attack.
More than 470,000 people have been killed and 12 millions have been driven from their homes since Syria's revolution erupted in 2011.
Zaman Al Wasl
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