The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies have continued their operation against ISIS terrorists in the eastern Homs countryside.
Yesterday, pro-government forces took control of the Al-Shumariya mountain chain (9 km long and 13 km wide) following multiple strikes by Russian air force warplanes and attack helicopters on ISIS positions in the mountains. Earlier, the SAA had repelled an ISIS attack on its new positions in the eastern Homs countryside.
On Thursday, the 5th Assault Corps further advanced in the area engaging ISIS terrorists in a series of firefights. However, no gains were made yet.
In the area of Palmyra, ISIS has launched a strong attack on SAA positions around the silos east of the city. As a result the SAA withdrew to higher and better fortified positions suffering some casualties. ISIS announced that its members killed five Syrian soldiers and seized some arms, including Fagot anti-tank guided missiles.
Click to see the full-size map
Click to see the full-size map
Click to see the full-size map
Pro-ISIS sources also claimed that ISIS has repelled an SAA attempt to advance near the Talila reserve in east of Palmyra, killing 11 Syrian soldiers and destroying a tank after being targeted with an anti-tank guided missile.
The goal of the SAA operations in the eastern Homs countryside is to secure the largest possible part of the desert of Palmyra. This will allow to launch other operations from the eastern Aleppo countryside towards Miskanah and from the eastern Hama countryside towards Al-Aqerabat.
Seems like Syrian army advancing in one area and retreating in another is a better title.
‘tain, ça fait une paye que j’en ai pas mangé !
Overall they are gaining territory and clearing out ISIS.
Congrats and kudos to SAA for retaking the mountains and I hope they can retake the positions they lost to daesh quickly!