Breaking: Pro-Syrian Army tribal forces join east Damascus battle

Syrian pro-government tribal forces are to join the Syrian Army’s upcoming offensive against militant groups in the East Ghouta region of Damascus.

Paramilitary fighters and heavy equipment from tribal units have already begun their journey towards the country’s capital amid the ongoing build-up of other Syrian Army and pro-government forces units in and around it.

According to reports, all of the tribal fighters are inbound from their local postings in the provinces of Deir Ezzor and Raqqa; they are to be led by a commander called Sheikh Turki.

Having served alongside the Syrian Army in its Raqqa and Deir Ezzor campaigns of 2017, the tribal units coming from both provinces are already well-acquainted with assisting spearhead formations such as Tiger Forces Division (which will be leading the East Ghouta operation).

According to Al-Masdar News, the tribal fighters are to be used as second echelon forces who will fortify and defend areas captured by breakthrough units of the Syrian Army.