ISIS resurgence | Two members of regime-backed “National Defense” killed in ambush in Deir ez-Zor
SOHR activists say that two members of the regime-backed “National Defense Forces” were killed today in an ambush by Islamic State cells in al-Masrab desert in southern countryside of Deir al-Zour.
Meanwhile, fierce battles continue between ISIS militants on the one hand, and regime forces and loyalists on the other, in large areas in the Syrian desert.
Fierce battles are still underway between regime forces and proxy militias on one hand, and ISIS members on the other, as SOHR sources have reported that violent clashes erupted this morning in Jabal Al-Bishri area and near Aleppo-Hama-Al-Raqqah triangle.
These clashes come as a part of regime forces’ attempts to put an end to ISIS’ activities which have stepped up its operations with the aim to deplete regime forces in the region.
On the other hand, Russian fighter jets have executed nearly 40 airstrikes on ISIS positions throughout the Syrian desert since last night.
Meanwhile, SOHR activists documented new human losses in the intensive bombardment and violent clashes in 24 hours, as seven regime soldiers and loyalists were killed, while ISIS lost 15 members. The death toll is expected to rise further as there are several combatants injured, some seriously. There are also unconfirmed reports of more casualties.
Since 24th of March 2019, SOHR has documented the killing of at least 1,068 regime soldiers and loyalists of Syrian and non-Syrian nationalities, including at least two Russians, and 144 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 601 ISIS members were also killed in attacks and bombardment in the same period.