Fighters of Jaysh al-Islam around Duma district, Illustrative image
The Syria Arab Army (SAA) gave Jaysh al-Islam militants in the Duma district of the Eastern Ghouta region a 48 hours’ notice to accept an evacuation agreement, several Syrian pro-government news outlets reported on March 30. If the group refuses to do so, it will face a large-scale military operation.
Pro-government sources said that units of the SAA’s 4th Division and the Republican Guard along with the Tiger Forces and other pro-government forces are currently taking offensive positions around Duma.
The Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) and the Russian Aerospace Forces will also take a part in the upcoming military operation against Jaysh al-Islam, if it refuses to accept an evacuation agreement, according to Hussien Mortada, the reporter of the Iranian al-Alam TV.
Murtada even speculated that Russia may even launch cruise missiles against the militants in Duma district. However, this is very unlikely.
#حسين_مرتضى
-العملية العسكرية التي ستبدأ في حال عدم استجابة ما يسمى بـ”جيش الإسلام” لشروط الدولة السورية ، وستكون بمشاركة سلاحي الجو السوري و الروسي والصواريخ المجنحة— #حسين_مرتضى (@HoseinMortada) March 30, 2018
The ongoing negotiation between Jaysh al-Islam and Russia have not witnessed any progress so far, as the group insists on staying in the Duma district and forbids any of its fighters from leaving. Due to this, the SAA and its allies will likely implement a military solution of this issue when the notice ends on July 2.
