Syria Conflict: A look at final days of fighting in Damascus

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Europe

02:16

Syrian government forces on Tuesday raised their flag over the Hajar Al-Aswad neighbourhood of southern Damascus. It marks the military regaining control over Damascus and the surrounding area after seven years of fighting. Our correspondent Alaa Ebrahim reports on the situation there.

The final days of fighting in Damascus. On the morning of the 21st of May, the Syrian army makes a final push to take the districts of Hajjar Al-Aswad and Yarmouk. Before sunset, the fighting will end, not just in these districts but also in the rest of the capital.

IYAD SYRIAN ARMY SOLDIER "Our continued military pressure on ISIL was fruitful. They agreed to surrender and allow women and children out."

Iyad is talking about a deal that allowed rebel fighters and their families -- including ISIL militants -- a safe-way out, in exchange for surrendering the last few blocks they held in the south of Damascus. The evacuation mostly took place at night, swiftly and quietly. As the army entered these last few blocks, the toll of the battle became more visible.

COLONEL MOHAMAD ALI SYRIAN ARMY 9TH DIVISION "What we achieved is of great significance. We destroyed ISIL and liberated the capital completely. it was an extremely difficult battle and we had to use all the knowledge we had accumulated over the past 7 years, fighting against the world's most dangerous terrorists who were heavily entrenched and fortified."

All that now remains of ISIL in these areas is the graffiti they used to remind everyone who was in control. By retaking these last parts of Damascus, the authorities have completely eliminated any rebel presence in and around the capital.

ALAA EBRAHIM DAMASCUS "Here in the heart of Damascus , the closest front-line is now more than 60 kilometers away. For the first time since 2011, Damascus no longer rings to the sounds of shells, clashes or any kind of fighting. But will the new-found stability of the capital set the way forward for the rest of the country, or will there be more fighting down the road? AE, CGTN, DAMASCUS."