Elite Syrian Army troops arrive in southern Syria as they prepare to launch long-awaited offensive

Just days after the Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad spoke to Al-Alam News about future operations in southern Syria, the elite Tiger Forces division has deployed to the Dara’a Governorate.

According to local activists, another convoy of Tiger Forces arrived in the Dara’a Governorate in much larger numbers than before.

These units from the Tiger Forces are expected to lead the upcoming battle to retake the southern part of the provincial capital, which has been under the control of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and their Islamist allies.

In addition to the arrival of the ground forces, local activists have reported that the commander of the Tiger Forces, Major General Suheil Al-Hassan, arrived in Dara’a as well.

Major General Hassan is expected to lead his division in battle; however, he will also be working together with the 4th Division and Republican Guard command.

The 4th Division and Republican Guard are tasked with leading the operations in the Dara’a countryside and Al-Quneitra Governorate.

With reconciliation talks failing all over Dara’a and Al-Quneitra, it is very likely the Syrian Arab Army will be launching their offensive in the coming weeks.

While the U.S. has warned the Syrian government against launching this offensive, these threats do not appear to have any influence over Damascus’ decision to launch the operation.

Source: AMN