Daraa Offensive (June 2017): An Overview
The Daraa offensive in June 2017 marked a significant military operation by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies against rebel positions in Daraa city, particularly targeting the southern half of the urban area. This offensive was characterized by intense fighting, aerial bombardments, and shifts in control over key districts, including the Palestinian refugee camp. The conflict in Daraa is part of the broader Syrian civil war, which has seen various factions vying for power since the uprising began in 2011. In this article, we will explore the background leading up to the offensive, its execution, and the subsequent aftermath.
Background of the Conflict
In mid-February 2017, a major offensive by Syrian rebels sought to regain control over Daraa city, which had been a focal point of opposition against the government. The rebels initially made significant advances, capturing large portions of the al-Manshiyah District. However, their momentum soon faltered as government forces regrouped and counterattacked, reclaiming much of the territory they had lost. By mid-March, reports indicated that less than 25% of Manshiyah remained under rebel control.
Despite these setbacks, renewed rebel offensives in April saw them regain approximately 80% of Manshiyah. The situation escalated with heavy airstrikes from pro-government forces in mid-May. By the end of May, it was reported that rebels controlled around 95% of the district. This ongoing cycle of attack and counterattack set the stage for the eventual June offensive.
The Launch of the Offensive
The Daraa offensive commenced on June 7, 2017, marked by more than 20 airstrikes targeting key rebel strongholds in Daraa al-Balad and along al-Sad Road. The Syrian Army’s elite Fourth Armored Division was deployed to join ground forces already engaged in combat. This initial phase set off a chain reaction of violence as both sides prepared for what would become one of the most intense confrontations witnessed since 2015.
Between June 10 and June 11, five commanders from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) were reportedly killed due to direct strikes on rebel headquarters amid an escalated bombing campaign by government forces. On June 11, government troops achieved their first territorial gains by seizing control over most of the School Complex area located within the Daraa Camp suburb.
The Battle for Control
As fighting intensified on June 12, clashes broke out in the Palestinian camp with reports indicating that government forces had captured between 30% and 50% of that neighborhood. In retaliation, rebel forces launched mortar attacks against government-held areas within Daraa city. That same day saw a notable incident where a government missile struck a civil defense center, rendering it inoperable and causing significant damage.
The extent of military operations during this period was staggering; according to sources from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, government forces dropped over 300 barrel bombs and fired approximately 350 surface-to-surface missiles on rebel-held sections of Daraa within just one week. The human toll was significant as well; reports indicated that at least ten to twelve civilians were killed in airstrikes on a school housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Tafas on June 14.
The Truce and Its Aftermath
On June 17, following two weeks of relentless bombardment and ground assaults that resulted in substantial civilian casualties—at least 88 reported deaths including children—the Syrian Army announced a temporary ceasefire lasting 48 hours. This truce offered a brief respite amid escalating violence; however, upon its expiration on June 20, aerial assaults resumed with renewed vigor targeting rebel-held areas across Daraa city.
During this renewed phase of combat operations, government forces attempted to break through rebel lines both in eastern Daraa city and within its historic quarter. There were also clashes near a former air defense base southwest of Daraa and along the Jordanian border where government troops briefly captured territory before being repelled by resilient rebel fighters.
The Collapse of Negotiations
On June 23, an attempt at negotiating a reconciliation deal between opposing factions fell apart. As a result, the Syrian Army recommenced its offensive into the Palestinian Camp district with accompanying airstrikes aimed at further undermining rebel defenses. Rebel groups affiliated with al-Bunyan al-Marsous Operations Room claimed to have launched an assault on SAA’s Fourth Division headquarters during this period, resulting in multiple casualties among both sides.
The Ceasefire Declaration
By early July, amidst ongoing hostilities and mounting pressure from both local populations and international observers calling for de-escalation, the Syrian government announced a ceasefire initiative for the region. This ceasefire was formalized on July 7; however, sporadic shelling incidents continued to be reported in various towns such as Saida and clashes persisted between opposing factions throughout Daraa province.
Even after formal declarations of peace efforts were made, tensions remained high with reports emerging about exchanges of fire between government troops and rebels in several locations across Daraa city.
Conclusion
The Daraa offensive in June 2017 epitomized the fierce struggle for control within Syria’s complex civil war landscape. The operation underscored not only the determination and resilience exhibited by both government forces and rebel factions but also highlighted the tragic humanitarian toll that prolonged warfare exacts on civilian populations caught in conflict zones. As military strategies evolved throughout this offensive period, so too did calls for peace initiatives aimed at alleviating human suffering—a challenge that continues to resonate deeply today as Syria seeks stability amidst ongoing discord.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).