Syria: Government forces seize full control of southwest

Event

Syrian government forces completed an offensive against opposition groups in the country's southwest on July 31. The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies seized the last remaining portions of opposition-controlled territory, held by an Islamic State (IS)-linked group, in the southwest corner of Syria along the border with Jordan and Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. During the final push, civilians and opposition groups, from Free Syria Army (FSA) factions to Islamist groups, fled into the Golan Heights or cross the border to Jordan. Residual clashes have occurred between armed groups and various government forces including Syrian troops, the Israeli air force, and Jordanian border guards as of Thursday, August 2. Meanwhile, the Russian government announced on Thursday that it deployed military police to Syria-held Golan to help stabilize the area before handing over full control to the Syrian government.

Context

Before the Syrian government offensive in southwestern Syria in June, the region had been relatively calm for the past year because of a "de-escalation" agreement brokered by the US, Jordan, and Russia. Syria remains enmeshed in a complex civil war that started between the Assad government and opposition forces in March 2011.

Today, the conflict in Syria involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.