Report says Syria gov't forces in control of key triangle

The Syrian army now controls a key triangle connecting the countryside of three main southern provinces, including the capital Damascus, official media reported Thursday.

The development came after government troops' latest campaign that started Sunday to sever rebel supply routes and to strain the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front and like-minded groups, which are active in that area, local media said.

The triangle comprises key strongholds used to be controlled by rebels, between the southern countryside of Damascus, northern countryside of the province of Daraa and the southern countryside of Qunaitera province, bordering the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, state TV reported.

As part of a major offensive, the military campaign in the southern region aims to secure the southern rim of the capital and degrade rebel strength in border areas, according to military experts.

The campaign has enabled the Syrian army to recapture key areas in the three provinces amid ongoing progress in other places, reports said. Endit