Thread by @Syrianzo

Thread on recent developments in #Daraa, southern Syria:

1/ In early July, the Syrian military deployed reinforcements to #Daraa province. This is particularly to the western and northwestern parts of the region…

2/ During a meeting with representatives of local communities, members of the Military and Security Committee (MSC) discussed the deteriorating conditions and the increasing attacks against military and security forces in #Daraa…

3/ The MSC demanded the surrender of wanted individuals and threatened a military offensive using artillery and warplanes against #Jasim, #Tafas, #Yadoudeh, and Daraa al-Balad of #Daraa city…

4/ In late July, military forces began targeting areas near #Tafas using tanks and mortar shells. One civilian was killed, and two others were injured. Military forces closed roads from #Daraa to #Tafas and established checkpoints on several roads leading to #Tafas..

5/ A preliminary agreement was reached following talks between local representatives & MSC. In return for ending the offensive, (1) 4 wanted individuals must leave the city; (2) military will search parts of the city; (3) military will withdraw from the vicinity of the city…

6/ The agreement collapsed soon after. Renewed talks took place. #Russian officers intervened to deescalate the situation. Military officers affirmed that wanted individuals are still in #Tafas. Representatives of #Tafas denied & requested the withdrawal of the military forces..

7/ In the past few days, military forces and local fighters have engaged in intermittent clashes, mainly in the vicinity of the southern part of the #Tafas city. Tank were reportedly used. The military advanced and penetrated the agricultural areas near the city..

8/ It should be noted that farmers from #Tafas are now prohibited from reaching and working their lands by military forces. A local delegation form #Tafas went to #Daraa city and complained to the Secretary of the Baath Party Branch, to no avail.

9/ Abu Salem al-Iraqi, a prominent Islamic State leader in southern Syria, has reportedly killed himself using a suicide belt after a group of military security personnel and local fighters besieged his hiding place in #Adwan town in western #Daraa.

10/ Yesterday, one member of the Islamic State, Mohammd Sael al-Odat, was captured by the Syrian military forces while attempting to escape from #Tafas to #Dael city. He is from #Tseel. He escaped to from the Yarmouk Basin to #Tafas after the defeat of IS in #Daraa in 2018.