Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018)

Rif Dimashq offensive (February–April 2018) was a significant military campaign during the Syrian Civil War, aimed at capturing the rebel-held territories in the Eastern Ghouta region near Damascus, the capital of Syria. This offensive was launched by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies, with the goal of eliminating the last major rebel stronghold near the capital, thereby securing the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Background

The Eastern Ghouta region had been under siege by government forces since 2013, leading to a humanitarian crisis with severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The area was controlled by various rebel groups, including the Army of Islam, Faylaq al-Rahman, and Ahrar al-Sham, making it a key target for the Syrian government in its efforts to regain control over the country.

Offensive

The offensive began in February 2018, with the Syrian Arab Army and its allies launching a massive bombardment campaign, followed by ground assaults. The government's strategy involved dividing the rebel-held territory into smaller, isolated sections, making it easier to target and recapture. The use of air strikes, artillery, and rocket fire caused significant destruction and a high number of civilian casualties, drawing international condemnation and calls for a ceasefire.

Despite the heavy bombardment, the rebels initially managed to hold their ground. However, as the offensive progressed, the government forces made significant advances. Key developments during the offensive included the capture of strategic locations such as the town of Douma, which was the last rebel stronghold in Eastern Ghouta.

Humanitarian Impact

The offensive had a devastating impact on the civilian population in Eastern Ghouta. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations reported severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbated by the siege tactics employed by the Syrian government. The bombardment led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people, many of whom fled to government-controlled areas or to camps near the Turkish border.

International Reaction

The international community was deeply divided over the offensive. Countries supporting the Syrian opposition condemned the Syrian government and its allies, particularly Russia and Iran, for the humanitarian consequences of the offensive. Calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors to allow the delivery of aid and the evacuation of civilians were made in various international forums, including the United Nations Security Council.

Aftermath

The Rif Dimashq offensive effectively ended the rebel presence in Eastern Ghouta, marking a significant victory for the Syrian government. The recapture of Eastern Ghouta allowed the Syrian government to secure the capital and its surroundings, significantly bolstering the regime's position both militarily and politically. However, the offensive also highlighted the war's heavy toll on civilians and the complex challenges of achieving a lasting peace in Syria.

Following the offensive, the focus of the Syrian Civil War shifted to other parts of the country, including the northwestern province of Idlib, where rebel groups and jihadist factions remained in control.