In Syria, a New Battlefront Opens

The battle strategy for Syria's south has changed. Three Syrian army divisions and allied forces, including hundreds of Hezbollah fighters as well as some Iranian advisers and specialists, launched a large-scale surprise offensive Feb. 6. These loyalist forces made considerable headway against the rebels, seizing the towns of Deir al-Adas, Deir Maker, and al-Danajah and continuing their advance on the outskirts of Kafr Shams, Sultaniyah and al-Taybah. While the offensive has since slowed and risks leaving other important fronts weakly defended, it highlights the importance of Damascus to the government as the rebel operations increasingly threaten the capital.