Actions took place after radical groups called for a mobilization to stop the Army’s anti-terrorist operations aimed at restoring the authority of the State and pacifying that province.

According to local media, troops from the 4th Armored Division and other military formations resumed their operations in the city of Deraa, capital of the province of same name.

Positions of armed groups in the neighborhoods of Deraa al-Balad, al-Mukhayam and Tarik al-Sad were the target of intense rocket and heavy machine gun fire.

The resumption of the offensive came after the failure of negotiations between the Army and the so-called Central Committees, which represent the illegal groups and the latter’s rejection of an arrangement to pacify the area through the deployment of the Army, the reestablishment of state institutions and the delivery of weapons and terrorists.

Deraa was deemed free from terrorism in the summer of 2018 following a Russian-sponsored reconciliation process, in which the extremists surrendered their medium and heavy weapons.

Tense situation prevails in this province due to the rejection of the remaining groups to reconciliation and their attacks claimed the lives of more than 260 members of the army and police, 19 mayors and 119 civilians, as well as caused injuries to some 500 civilians and soldiers.

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