Assad helicopters drop barrel bombs on Daraa

Assad militia helicopters dropped barrel bombs on Daraa on Friday (June 22) for the first time in a year, in defiance of US and UN demands.

The barrel bombs targeted opposition-held towns including Busra al-Harir Al-Hirak, and Maleihah al-Sharqiah.

Assad regime helicopters dropped more than 15 barrel bombs on the area, causing severe damage, Orient correspondent said.

Meanwhile the Assad regime artillery guns heavily shelled opposition-held areas where civilian houses were damaged and casualties reported.  

Al-Hirak, and Maleihah al-Sharqiah local councils declared the two towns as “disaster areas”

Ihsan Charity hospital was closed until further notice due to the deterioration of security conditions in eastern Daraa countryside, and fear of targeting the hospital.

The United States on Thursday reiterated its demand that the de-escalation zone be respected, warning Assad and his Russian allies of “serious repercussions” of violations. It accused Assad of initiating air strikes, artillery and rocket attacks.