ISIS resurgence: regime forces and Iranians carry out security campaign south of Deir Ezzor city

Reliable source informed SOHR that regime, Iranian forces and Iranian-backed militias began a security campaign against ISIS cells and members in Jabal al-Bashri area south of Deir ez-Zor city.

Regime forces began the campaign with intensive rocket fire on the area, in light of ISIS resurgence in the Syrian Desert, particularly in Deir ez-Zor and Homs deserts.

On January 19, the Syrian Observatory reported an attack carried out by the “Islamic State” members on regime forces and loyalists’ positions in Al-Mayadeen desert, east of Deir ez-Zor. The attack started with firing several rocket-propelled grenades, followed by an exchange of machine-gun fire between the two sides.

19 regime soldiers were wounded in the attack, eight of whom were transferred to al-Hammad hospital in Al-Mayadeen city, while others, who were in critical condition, were transferred to Deir ez-Zo city.

Moreover, a lieutenant in regime forces was killed by a landmine planted by the “Islamic State” in Deir ez-Zor desert. The lieutenant hails from the city of Al Mayadeen.