The Syrian military has advanced 700 meters (2,300 feet) into the Barzeh neighborhood in northeastern Damascus following the launch of an operation to liberate neighboring Qabun from militants, an informed source on the ground told Sputnik on Monday.

Qabun, in addition to the Joubar and Dummar neighborhoods, are under the control of the Ahrar ash-Sham and al-Nusra Front militant groups.

“The Army launched a military operation in the area of Barzeh farms and in Qabun neighborhood. At the moment, it managed to advance deep into enemy territory by 700 meters. Street battles are underway,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the Syrian army artillery on Monday prepared for the offensive by ground forces. In Damascus, the Syrian Air Force has been heard, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

Earlier in the day, Al Mayadeen television channel reported that the Syrian army launched a military operation to liberate the Qabun neighborhood in an eastern suburb of Damascus.

Source: SANA