Syrian forces recapture key airbase east of Damascus

Syrian troops have fully recaptured a key military airbase east of the capital Damascus, following battles against the rebels, a well-informed source told Xinhua.

The Marj al-Sultan airbase as well as large swathes of the Marj al-Sultan town in Damascus's Eastern Ghouta countryside were effectively recovered by Syrian forces, added the source on condition of anonymity.

Most al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front militants withdrew from both the airbase and town, the source added.

The source stated that the military operation lasted two weeks, adding that hefty losses were incurred by the militants, whereas Syrian forces remained relatively intact.

Capturing both the airbase and village will currently enable the Syrian army to constrict rebel groups still in the region, an escalation which should relieve Damascus from daily mortar shelling by Ghouta-based rebels. Endit