Despite a large number of troops deployed there, the Syrian capital of Damascus appears far from secure, as for the second time this week rebels from al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front and other factions have infiltrated the area around Jobar District, leading to fighting throughout the day.
The groups appear to be of the same factions that attacked on Sunday, seizing parts of the district for around 24 hours before a military offensive backed with airstrikes finally repelled them. The Syrian military sought to downplay the latest incursion, insisting they have the rebels “surrounded.”
Whether that’s actually the case or not is unclear, however, as in the Sunday offensive officials conceded that the rebels had got in through a series of tunnels, and it isn’t totally certain that the tunnels are entirely under control, or if the rebels can still use them to come and go as they please.
The Syrian military has been removing a lot of the rebel forces from the areas around Damascus, but they remain in a handful of different areas. This is likely to fuel a new push to consolidate control over the metro area, and to force the remaining rebels to sign evacuation deals.
This is the rather typical case of “rebels” that are local but under Al-Qaeda control. Since the cease fire — Al-Nusra has been furious at its local partners wko accepted the deal and signed ceasefire. In Idlib, Al-Qaeda militarily crushed two if those, and forced two FSAto join them as well, or lose territory. However, in areas far from Idlib — locals have bern more lucky — and cease fire held. But, for as long as there are any Al-Nusra units embedded into local militia — there is a danger of them going on attack, and endangering the region that had peace. This remnant of Al-Qaeda in East Goutha has shown exactly what can happen. I suspect locals will ask them to leave this time — to pack up families and go to Idlib.
I suspect that this was meant to unnerve PACE delegation to Damascus, prior to talking to Assad.