Syrian government forces advanced toward the rebel-held city of Duma, situated about 10 kilometers’ northeast of the capital Damascus. The government forces targeted the outskirts of the city with tanks and other weapons, as they attempt to recapture the area from rebel forces, including the ‘Jaish al-Islam’ militia, which means the ‘army of Islam’ in Arabic, a jihadist group believed to be backed by Saudi Arabia. The city of Duma, which was subject to one of the deadliest reported battles in the almost 6-year war, in August of 2015, has been a strategic stronghold of rebel-forces, an area which surrounds both government forces and their allied militias. Defense experts told TV7 that the apparent significance of the area will bring about fierce battles, with local-residents fearing it would become a so-called “second-Aleppo”. The experts also noted that if the rebels lose control of Duma, it would signify the beginning of the end for the Syrian rebellion.