Syrian government forces have launched a push towards the ISIS-held Doubayat gas field in the province of Homs. The field is located east of the governmen-held ancient city of Palmyra.
This advance is a part of the wider effort aimed at isolating the strategic ISIS-held town of Sukhna from the southeastern direction.
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The adavance on Doubayat gas field would isolate Sukhana from south east, and at the same time allow advancing forces to bypass Sukhana, (allowing some forces to guard the southern vicinity of the town) and move east along M20. If ISIS wants a city siege, deny them the wish, if local population uprises against ISIS and they take arm, by all means, the taking of the city would be a lot easier.
Sukhna is not a city, it’s a rather small town.
Ok, 2004 census indicate a population of a little over 16,000; regardless, SAA and allies should not spend much time investing in the city, unless local population is eager to kick ISIS out.
Assume half have fled since 2004.