The Syrian military has all but completed its conquest of recapturing the southwest of its war-torn-country, along the border with Israel and Jordan. The Syrian offensive, which was closely monitored by both the Israeli and Jordanian militaries, among others, was reportedly backed by Russian air-support and – contrary to agreements reached with Moscow – Iranian-backed militias on the ground. According to an intelligence source who spoke to TV7 on condition of anonymity, the Assad regime had reached an agreement with most of the militant groups that controlled separate parts of Syria’s southwestern border-region, including militias linked to both Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. As part of the agreement, the Islamist militants will be transferred to Syria’s northern province of Idlib, the last pocket of opposition to the Assad regime, in exchange for a full retreat. Meanwhile, TV7 has learned that Damascus has already ordered most of its army divisions that fought in recent weeks to recapture the southwest of the war-torn-country, to head to the northern Idlib region, which is adjacent to the border with Turkey, to prepare for the final battle that will see all of Western Syria under control of Damascus. While the Syrian brigades 90 and 112 are expected to be deployed along the border with Israel and Jordan – contrary to the situation prior to 2011 – Russian troops will reportedly maintain a presence along-side Assad’s forces. It is important to note that the new reality on the ground further means that the last remaining wounded Syrians that are receiving medical treatment in Israel will return to Syria, and the field hospital and other Israeli humanitarian aid to Syrian civilians is expected to come to an end.
