A Syrian military source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Syria’ official news agency SANA that Syrian soldiers and their allies carried out an operation against the positions of the so-called Jaish al-Islam Takfiri militants in the town, which lies east of Douma, on Sunday, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire with the extremists.

The source added that Syrian army troops also regained control over the main road between Ibn Sina Hospital and Douma, which serves as an important supply and movement route for militants.