Large-scale security campaign | Russian-backed militias start sweeping operation in Deir Ezzor desert, searching for ISIS cells

Reliable sources have informed the Syrian Observatory that the regime-backed Palestinian “Liwaa Al-Quds, working under the guidance of Russian forces, with other regime loyalists started a new sweeping operation in Deir Ezzor desert at dawn. The operation covers an area stretching from Al-Shawla desert in western Deir Ezzor to Al-Bokamal desert to the east, with the purpose of searching for ISIS cells.

 

This campaign coincides with escalating Russian airstrikes on the Syrian desert, targeting ISIS positions, especially after the killing of a Russian general a few days earlier. SOHR activists had documented the killing of a Russian officer and the injury of three other soldiers in the explosion of an IED planted by unknown assailants, targeting a Russian convoy on a side road near Deir Ezzor city.

 

Since the 24th of March 2019, SOHR has documented the killing of at least 661 regime soldiers and loyalists of Syrian and non-Syrian nationalities, including at least two Russians, and 140 Iranian-backed militiamen of non-Syrian nationalities. All were killed in attacks, bombings and ambushes by the “Islamic State”, west of Euphrates in the deserts of Deir Ezzor, Homs, and Al-Suwaidaa.

 

Also four civilians working in gas fields, 11 shepherds and four other people were killed and documented by SOHR in the same period, from late March 2019 until today. They were killed in attacks by ISIS cells. While 273 ISIS members were also killed in attacks and bombardment in the same period.