Thread by @Dannymakkisyria

Thread: #ISIS takes over Southern #Damascus town of #Qadam in space of 3 days & kills dozens of Syrian Troops in Deadly ambush, here’s how it happened

1. Thus far 25 #SAA soldiers thought to be killed and another 45 either missing, injured or Captured by #ISIS, a chain of events had occurred however which led to this critical situation

2. On the 11th March Anjad al Sham rebels in Al- #Qadam were given a 48 hour warning by the #SAA to evacuate the South #Damascus district for #Idleb

3.The following day green buses began to transfer the militants & their families to #Idleb

4. On March 13 the evacuation was complete and the #SAA was in full control of the district

5.In the following days fierce clashes erupted in #YarmoukCamp next to #Qadam between PFLP-GC a Palestinian pro-gov militia and #ISIS who control the Camp and #HajrAlAswad

6 .Mortars were launched by #ISIS at al-#Tadamon & #SAA airstrikes and shelling hit #ISIS positions in S. Damascus

7. Despite the clashes, most #SAA & Allied forces have been focusing on the huge operation to retake East #Ghouta, fighting in S. Damascus not a current priority

8. Then #ISIS seized the opportunity in #Qadam, attacked and ambush #SAA positions who were not expecting an attack and began an operation to take the district

9.The first few days & #ISIS destroyed #SAA tanks and continued to press trapping and assaulting relentlessly #SAA positions

10.The main source of the attack was from Al #HajrAlAswad and #Asali districts which have been in control of the Islamic State for over 3 years

11. #ISIS has massacred Syrian forces who were surprised at the speed & proximity of #ISIS forces, dozens have been killed and many more injured & missing

12. The last few #SAA groups inside managed to escape, leaving behind them dead comrades, some were trapped for days in the densely built up district

13.There is still no definite number for the fallen but it’s expected to increase tomorrow as a clearer picture emerges

14. Amaq confirmed that #ISIS has retaken most of the areas Ajnad al Sham gave up to #SAA and another dangerous frontline has opened up in #Damascus

15. For the time being #ISIS is well and truly flourishing in South #Damascus & may continue such attacks with #SAA distracted with #Ghouta

16. #SAA will likely respond with a limited offensive and heavy shelling as news gathers in pro-gov circles and the images circulate

17. A solution for #ISIS around the Capital will no doubt become a priority

18. Some of the #SAA fallen from #Qadam

Many thanks

uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mid…

The entire thread, easier to read for those interested

threadreaderapp.com/thread/9759358…

Update: The final list of fatalities is 91, from official #SAA & auxiliary SMI 215 branch forces