The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Renewed airstrikes | Russian jets execute intensive strikes on ISIS positions in Syrian desert

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights activists have reported new airstrikes by Russia on the Syrian desert, where Russian jets have launched, since early morning, more than 25 airstrikes targeting ISIS positions at the administrative borders between al-Raqqah and Deir Ezzor, specifically the surrounding areas of Jabal al-Bishri, and positions in Aleppo-Hama-al-Raqqah triangle, as a part of the Russian efforts to put an end to ISIS activity and impede its movements in the region.

Yesterday morning, SOHR activists reported that Russian fighter jets consecutively targeted ISIS positions with more than 45 airstrikes in the past few hours, targeting Jabal al-Bishri area at the administrative borders between al-Raqqah, Deir Ezzor and the countryside of Hama, in addition to positions in the al-Sukhnah desert in the eastern countryside of Homs. Meanwhile, the airstrikes hit caves and bunkers where ISIS members are likely to hide in, and struck their vehicles, while at least six members were killed. However, the death toll may be larger due to the topography of the area.

Since 24th of March 2019, SOHR has documented the killing of at least 1,421 regime soldiers and loyalists of Syrian and non-Syrian nationalities, including at least two Russians, and 149 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 and tens of shepherds and other civilians, including children and women, 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 937 ISIS members were also killed in attacks and bombardment in the same period.