Part 13
Author: Abu Hajar al-Kurdi
ISIS’s Attack and Dominance Over the “Al-Hajar al-Aswad” Area:
When the name ISIS is mentioned, the actions and transgressions of this group are brought to mind within the Muslim community; it is widely acknowledged that ISIS has caused harm to the hearts and physical well-being of Sunni adherents. Furthermore, ISIS has played a notable role in the reoccupation of significant territories in Syria by the Nusayri forces.
ISIS initiated attacks on Sunni-populated areas under baseless and false pretexts, seizing control from the Mujahideen only to subsequently transfer these areas to Bashar al-Assad’s forces shortly thereafter.
Numerous of locations and strategic points, previously held by the Mujahideen, fell under ISIS control, but soon after, they withdrew, allowing these regions to fall into the hands of Iranian and Nusayri forces.
One of these regions is located on the southern outskirts of Damascus, near the Yarmouk camp—the Al-Hajar al-Aswad area, which fell under ISIS control in 2015. Before discussing the takeover of Al-Hajar al-Aswad by al-Baghdadi’s rebels, it is essential to highlight a few points regarding the strategic importance of this area.
From a strategic perspective, Al-Hajar al-Aswad held significant strategic value for the Syrian Mujahideen and even for Bashar al-Assad’s government for the following reasons:
1. Proximity to Damascus:
Located south of Damascus, Al-Hajar al-Aswad’s closeness to Syria’s capital made it a strategic center for the Mujahideen’s operations against the state. Controlling this area allowed the Mujahideen to easily launch attacks and military operations against Damascus and its surrounding areas, which were considered the heart of the Syrian government’s power.
2. Border with the Yarmouk Camp:
Al-Hajar al-Aswad is adjacent to the Yarmouk camp, the largest Palestinian camp in Syria, which held great political, humanitarian, and social importance and was valuable to various groups. Controlling Al-Hajar al-Aswad allowed the Mujahideen to dominate this camp, using it as a base for forces and logistical resources.
3. Supply and Support Routes:
This area was situated along crucial supply and communication routes, utilized by the Mujahideen to secure arms and resources. Al-Hajar al-Aswad was a critical region for moving forces and resources between southern and central areas.
4. A Refuge for Mujahideen:
Al-Hajar al-Aswad served as a safe haven for Syrian Mujahideen retreating from other regions. Jihadi groups facing challenges elsewhere would withdraw to this area to regroup their forces and continue their operations from here.
5. Influence Over Surrounding Areas:
Control over Al-Hajar al-Aswad allowed Sunni groups to exert influence over surrounding areas and rural and urban regions in southern Damascus. As a military and logistical hub, it was crucial for gaining influence over Damascus and neighboring key areas.
