20 Mar 2018 | 03:33 PM UTC
Syria: Islamic State takes control of Al-Qadam March 20
Islamic State fighters take control of Al-Qadam (southern Damascus) March 20; at least 36 government soldiers and pro-government militia members killed
Event
The Islamic State (IS) group took control of Al-Qadam (southern Damascus) on Tuesday, March 20, following a surprise attack on the area and fighting with Syrian government forces that lasted 24 hours. At least 36 government soldiers and pro-government militia members were killed in the IS assault, launched from adjacent Al-Hajar Al-Aswad district. Fighting is reportedly still ongoing in the neighborhood as IS militants attempt to clear remaining pro-government forces; regime reinforcements have been sent to the area to attempt to retake it from IS fighters. Further fighting between IS militants and government forces is expected in the southern Damascus area in the coming days and weeks.
Context
The IS advance comes as over 1000 civilians and numerous fighters from Ha'yat Tahrir Al-Sham, a Syrian rebel faction with alleged links to Al-Qa'ida, vacated the Al-Qadam area on March 13 under an evacuation agreement with Syrian government forces and were transported to Idlib province.
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.
