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The defense of militant groups is collapsing in Eastern Ghouta under pressure from the Syrian Arab Army , the National Defense Forces, the Tiger Forces, the Republican Guard and other pro-government factions.
Faylaq al-Rahman and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) have lost the important village of Saqba and at least half of Kafr Batna. On March 17, some pro-government sources reported that the entire area of Kafr Batna had been liberated but on March 18 the village remained contestedn.
Should government troops secure Kafr Batna, they will likely focus on the area of Hazeh. This advance may led to futher isolation of different militant strong points each from others.
Government troops are in Saqba:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAO1PvkNwc8
Meanwhile, reports appeared that the Syrian military had released an ultimatum to militants in the area of Harasta [encircled southwest of Douma]. If militants refuse to accept a reconciliation agreement and to surrender weapons, the army will launch a military operation there.
Government forces advance:
Summing up the recent events, it becomes clear that militants have lost the first phase of the battle for Eastern Ghouta. Now, all depends on the ability of Syrian forces to use the gained advantage.
