Despite the significant loses in manpower, military equipment and territory, the ISIS terrorist group remains a major threat in Syria. After repelling the Syrian army’s advance on the Tabaqa Military Air Base in the province of Raqqa, ISIS has turned to offensive actions at the city of Deir Ezzor and north of Palmyra.
Since early August, ISIS units have attacked the Syrian army in Deir Ezzor, mainly at the air base and from the northwestern direction. However, the pro-government forces have been able to repell all these attacks and even seize some sites in northern Deir Ezzor. There are no confirmed information about the casualties of sides. However, reports say that 40 civilians have been killed during the clashes.
North of Palmyra, ISIS units have been making attempts to advance on the Homs-Palmyra highway and to the city of Palmyra. Heavy clashes are ongoing in the area and drawing the attention of the Russian and Syrian air forces from other parts of the frontline. Pro-ISIS sources say that 40 Syrian fighters have been already killed and 2 battle tanks destroyed. Pro-government sources say that the Syrian army has killed over 50 militants (including casualties in clashes in the eastern countryside of Homs).
ISIS will continue pressure on the Syrian government forces near Deir Ezzor and Palmyra while the Syrian army and its allies are involved in bloody clashes in Aleppo and northern Latakia. In turn, the Syrian government seek to repel ISIS advances with remaining forces before it will be able to redeploy some reinforcements from other parts of the frontline.
