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On September 14, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) captured the villages of al-Nariyah, al-Rashidiyah and al-Sauarim in the Homs desert following heavy clashes with ISIS cells, according to Syrian pro-government sources. During their advance, Syrian soldiers destroyed several hideouts and vehicles of the terrorist group.
In the last two days, the SAA cleared a large area in the eastern Homs countryside and liberated the settlements of Wadi Salhub and Bi’r Hajjah in the framework of its military operation against ISIS cells in the Homs desert.
The operation, which began on September 9, is led by the SAA and backed by the Russian Aerospace Forces. The tribal force of the National Defense Forces (NDF) will also join the operation in the upcoming hours.
Local observers believe that around 1,000 fighters and commanders of ISIS are currently hiding in the Homs desert, which lays between the eastern Homs countryside and the western Deir Ezzor countryside.
Despite of the high number of terrorists in the desert, the nature of the region, which lacks any large urban areas or natural fortifications, will likely allow the SAA to complete its mission within few weeks.
Photos of the SAA’s advance in the eastern Homs desert:
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