The Syrian government forces captured the southern Damascus, the al-Hajar al-Aswad District. The Syrian military's complete control over Damascus and its suburb areas came after seven years of fighting. Al-Hajar al-Aswad District is seven kilometres to downtown Damascus. The government troops on April 19 began its military operation to take back the district, along with the adjacent Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp. The military used airstrikes and intensive cannon and rocket strikes. The Syrian government denied reports that the government forces observed a brief ceasefire with extremists on 20th May. The recapture of al-Hajar al-Aswad District marks the complete liberation of Damascus since 2011. The government forces will continue to sweep houses and tunnels for hidden suicide attackers and snipers next.
