The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Hezbollah, backed up by Russian warplanes and Iranian unmanned combat aerial vehicles, are advancing towards the ISIS-held town of al-Bukamal in the province of Deir Ezzor.
Recently, the SAA and Hezbollah have liberated Shammas, Baktal and nearby points and deployed in about 53 km from the town. A Russian attack submarine also supported the avdance with cruise missile strikes. The missiles destroyed ISIS HQs and a weapons depot.
Al-Bukamal is located near the Iraqi border, on the highway between the Syrian city of Deir Ezzor and the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. Both the Syrian government and the US-led coalition see al-Bukamal as a key defense point that will allow to establish control over the strategic highway.