Syrian Army Clears Two Towns Near Damascus From Daesh Terrorists

Syrian government forces have retaken control over towns of Deir al-Asafir and Zebdin on the eastern outskirts of Damascus, an informed source told Sputnik on Thursday.

BEIRUT (Sputnik) — According to the source, the offensive by the Syrian army is supported by heavy artillery fire.

"Terrorists have been pushed from a total of five settlements in the area in the past 24 hours" the source said.  

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.