Arbin, Syria

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Arbin, also spelled Irbin or Arbeen, is a town in southern Syria just east of Damascus. It is part of the Markaz Rif Dimashq District in the Rif Dimashq Governorate and sits about 690 meters above sea level. In 2004, around 44,934 people lived there. Nearby towns include Douma to the north and Kafr Batna, Saqba, Zamalka, and Ein Tarma. Some sources link Arbin to the ancient city of Riblah.

During the Syrian civil war, the Free Syrian Army took control of Arbin and nearby suburbs on July 2, 2012. There was continued fighting, and by December 7, 2012 rebels were in control. From 2017 to 2018, Arbin was affected by the government siege of Eastern Ghouta and suffered airstrikes by Syrian and Russian aircraft. By the end of March 2018, the Syrian army had taken control of Eastern Ghouta, including Arbin. In 2024, opposition forces recaptured Arbin during the Rebel Offensives and the Fall of Damascus.