This map provides a general look at the military situation in Syria on May 5, 2017.
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Military Situation In Syria On May 5, 2017 (Map Update)
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I think with the palmyra offensive, Assad wants to reach Dez before the FSA or YPG does, and we all know that the crown jewel is Raqqa, and Assad wants to cut IS in two and make a larger stake in the east.
Very strategic
Nah. The SAA is on the move to deny ISIS roads south to Mayadin (along with picking up a few more gas fields). All the roads from the north end at or cross the Deir Azzor to Palmyra highway so the SAA is moving west from Deir Azzor to block those that bypass the city and east from Palmyra to regain control of that highway and it’s crossroads. From there the SAA can start moving north to clear out ISIS along the river and interior roads. The US/FSA took control of the T2 to Palmyra highway and those leading east from T2 station and the airbase, leaving ISIS with only the river roads from Iraq and those bypassing Deir Azzor. The US/FSA appear to be heading towards the river to take control of a stretch to isolate Mayadin. The SDF then should start moving down the river that enters the Euphrates south of Deir Azzor to clear out that stretch and the east bank.
Taken East Homs/Hama, all will became simpler
Yep, do that then keep moving north to regain control of eastern Idlib and southern Aleppo provinces so they’ll have more roads to Aleppo and force HTS to deploy more units to that sector. Seeing how they had a hard time getting any reinforcements down to the Hama Salient, being pressured along a long front should leave many areas short on defensive positions that can be exploited by the SAA.