RIA Novosti reporters who visited the suburbs of Damascus where fighting continues between militants and the Syrian Army described what they saw in one word as ‘Stalingrad’ (the Russian city which was heavily damaged during WWII).
Darayya Area is a suburb in southwestern Damascus. Prior to the civil war that has engulfed the country, the Damascus suburbs were populated with Sunni Muslims and this is where Islamic militants placed their strongholds. Most of the Sunnis, who once supported the Islamists, ran away when it became clear that the militants had no interest in the relationship of Sunnis and the Syrian government or in the fate of Syria.
Two Thousand Militants
The Syrian military confronts a whole heap of terrorist organizations, 'Jabhat al-Nusra' (Syrian branch of the al-Qaeda), as well as several smaller groups “Ankhara al-Sham” and “Liwa al-Fatih.” Taking Darayya Maadamiyu under control back in 2011-2012, these groups were not here to build a brighter Islamist future but began to loot shops, civilian apartments and divide spheres of influence.
The Syrian Army is fighting against about two thousand militants who during the attacks receive reinforcements not only via land but also through an extensive network of underground tunnels.
Curses are Encouraging
As the journalists explain, the streets are littered with broken stone, rubble blocked by concrete — bombed residential buildings have been converted into barricades, behind which one can hide from the enemy and from the heat.
Just until recently, these positions belonged to the militants. There is graffiti in the form of Arabic scripture, inscribed on the run-down, bullet-riddled walls. The graffiti curses and threats are written against President Assad and the Syrian military, in some places there is swearing against Russia as well.
Yet this military graffiti inspires not fear, but optimism. It shows that not so long ago there were fighters and now there is military in their place taking over Darayya.
Survey using Insults
When not in combat the militants shout out insults from their positions. “We do not respond because it is a provocation,” the officer explained. “If you start screaming or shooting back, the fighters will know where our positions are and will throw mines or grenades our way.”
Over the past few years, the militants have mastered the art of war, the officer said. “They are helped from abroad and they have gathered professional killers from around the world. Even though the initiative is now, thanks to the Russian aircraft, owned by the Syrian Army, the victory will not be easy,” the Syrian officer told the journalist.
