Daraa offensive (June 2017)

The Daraa offensive (June 2017) was a military operation launched by Syrian rebel groups and allied factions against Syrian government forces and their allies in the Daraa Governorate of southwestern Syria in June 2017. The offensive aimed to break through government lines, capture territory, and alleviate pressure on besieged rebel-held areas within Daraa city and the surrounding region.

The offensive was primarily spearheaded by Free Syrian Army (FSA) affiliated groups, along with some Islamist factions. Their initial attacks focused on government-held positions in and around Daraa city and the strategic Nasib border crossing with Jordan. Fighting was intense, characterized by heavy artillery shelling, airstrikes, and ground assaults.

While rebel forces achieved some initial gains, capturing several villages and checkpoints, the Syrian Army and its allies, including Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias, launched a counter-offensive. Government forces utilized significant firepower, including air support, to regain lost territory. The counter-offensive stalled the rebel advance and eventually pushed them back from some of their newly acquired positions.

The Daraa offensive (June 2017) ultimately failed to achieve its strategic objectives. The government forces retained control of the Nasib border crossing and maintained their hold on key areas within Daraa Governorate. The offensive resulted in significant casualties on both sides and caused further displacement of civilians. The failure of the offensive was attributed to a number of factors, including the superior firepower of the Syrian Army, internal divisions among the rebel groups, and a lack of external support. It contributed to a shift in the balance of power in Daraa Governorate, further weakening rebel forces in the region leading to later government offensives that ultimately regained control over the region.