OSINT SUMMARY
Syrian troops have managed to recapture the strategic hilltops situated on the northeastern outskirts of the capital, Damascus from Takfiri militants.
The Syrian forces conducted massive ground operations and were supported by aerial strikes from Russian fighter jets.
On Saturday 17th October 2015, the Syrian troops established full control over the strategic hilltops overlooking the city of Harasta, some 25 kilometers northeast of Damascus. The troops also recaptured the ones behind Douma, located about 10 kilometers northeast of the capital.
The development came after the Syrian security troops intensified their military offensives against Takfiri terrorist’s positions in the southern countryside of Aleppo some 355 kilometers north of capital city, Damascus.
Syrian forces backed by Russian air bombardments had already regained control of the towns of Ebtin and Hadadin al-Gharbiyeh as well as al-Kassarat and al-Madajen areas in the province before beginning the operation.
Separately Russian fighter jets have carried at least 30 airstrikes in the militant held Ghouta region near the capital, destroying terrorist hideouts in the Deir al-Asafir, Bala and Marj al-Sultan on Saturday.
Russia fighter jets also bombarded the perceived strongholds of Takfiri Jabhat al-Shamiyya terrorists in Aleppo suburbs.
