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Graphic shows areas of control as of June 27.
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SYRIA

Fighting in Syria’s south escalates

By Mike Tyler

June 27, 2018 - Fighting is escalating in southern Syria as government forces push deeper into rebel-held territories in Daraa province in a weeklong offensive that the United Nations estimates has displaced up to 50,000 people.

Jordan said its borders will remain closed for any new refugees, calling on the UN. to provide security in southern Syria.

Deraa’s residents described living in extreme fear and said many had also headed to the frontier with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, believing it to be safer.

Since May 19, Syrian troops have targeted rebel-held areas in eastern Daraa, one of the country’s last major rebel strongholds. The strategic area was part of a truce deal reached last July between the United States, Russia and Jordan.

The offensive’s goal appears to be regaining control of the border crossing with Jordan, which has been in rebel hands since 2015. Syrian President Bashar Assad’s recent military victories, including the capture of Damascus suburbs and southern neighbourhoods, have propelled the push.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 27/06/2018; STORY: Graphic News
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