This gave them a new momentum, with the rebels preparing an offensive to capture the strategically important region along the border with Jordan that would give them a critical gateway to attempt an attack on the capital, Damascus.

[8] On the next day, rebels captured a 25 km strip of land near the Jordanian border, which included the towns of Muzrib, Abdin, and the al-Rai military checkpoint.

[5] On 3 April, rebels captured the air defense base of the 49th battalion of the Syrian Army in the town of Alma in the northern outskirts of Daraa.

[10] On 5 April, rebels captured an Army garrison defending the main border crossing into Jordan, after a week-long siege in which dozens were reportedly killed.

The anti-mortar systems deployed in some areas allow the Syrian military to trace the source of mortar fire and even strike before the rebels launch an attack.

[16][17] In late June, rebel forces were in fear of being routed by the Army in southern Syria and losing control of their safe zones on the Jordanian border.

[18] On 28 June, rebels, including units of Al-Nusra Front, took control of the strategically important Binayat checkpoint in Daraa city.

[19] On 8 August, Ahmad Jarba, president of the Western-backed Syrian National Coalition, crossed from Jordan into rebel-held territory in Daraa Province to meet with refugees and observe Id al-Fitr.

[22] On 21 October, FSA chief Yasser Abbud (aka Abu Ammar), leader of the Fallujah-Houran brigade was killed during fighting with the army in Tafas.