Syrian army, with Russian air support, attacks southern town of Athman

DEBKAfile's military sources report that Syrian infantry and tank forces, backed by artillery, attacked the town of Athman, located four kilometers north of the rebel stronghold of Daraa, from three directions on Wednesday morning. The attack included Russian bombers as well as Syrian attack helicopters dropping barrel bombs. The sources said the rebels may lose control of Daraa, their stronghold in southern Syria, if Athman falls to the Syrian army.