The Free Syrian Army's Southern Front has finally launched a long-anticipated offensive in southern Syria following months of preparation. The rebel forces swiftly overran the loyalist 52nd Mechanized Brigade on June 9 and are now headed for al Th'alah air base in Sweida province. The success of this offensive highlights the deteriorating position of President Bashar al Assad's forces. It also brings Syria's minority Druze population closer to the center of the conflict. The government in Damascus was broadly aware of an impending assault on their southern positions and had been preparing defenses for months. The fact that the 52nd Mechanized Brigade collapsed quickly despite advanced planning indicates the degree to which the Syrian military has been weakened. The rebels seized considerable equipment and weaponry from the base, including at least seven BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles and several T-72 tanks, as well as weapons and munitions.