Syrian Army seizes the Homs-Damascus Highway

In late August 2015, Jaysh Al-Islam (Army of Islam) captured several points inside the cities of Harasta and Douma in Greater Damascus to close off the Homs-Damascus Highway from the government forces. For nearly 6 months, the Syrian Armed Forces have attempted to reverse the gains made Jaysh Al-Islam in August; however, they suffered a few setbacks along the way, delaying their recapture of this imperative roadway that stretches from the Syrian capital to the provincial capital of the Homs Governorate.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Syrian Arab Army’s 105th Brigade of the Republican Guard – backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) – captured the remaining points under rebel control in the cities of Harasta and Douma, resulting in the government forces imposing full control over the Homs-Damasccus Highway.

With the Homs-Damascus Highway full under their control, the Syrian Armed Forces can turn their attention to the pockets of resistance in northern Douma and the Industrial District of Harasta.