Key IS Pocket Cleared by Syrian Forces, Advance Further East

The Syrian government forces, in an operation, cleared a major Islamic State pocket between Palmyra and Sukhna in a major advance towards Deir Ezzor in the East. The pocket was the last IS stronghold in the country.

The pro-government forces took over the 2000 sq km IS pocket north of Palmyra in the province of Homs.

The 2000 sq km IS pocket was created as Syrian Arab Army (SAA) backed by Russian Air force (RuAF) launched an offensive from Sukhna town across Mount Minshaer and El Kowm oasis. The advance further squeezed the IS held Uqayribat pocket.

The Syrian Arab Army is holding the key Raqqa-Salamiyah road in the eastern Hama countryside and has so far been able to repel attacks from anti-government rebels from two sides. The highway faces Ahrar al Sham from one side and IS from south of the highway in the held Uqayribat pocket.

The control of this route is significant to severe a spill-over of anti-Assad rebels or plans to establish a barrier for SAA movement. The SAA has so far been able to take control of the Salba town north of the ISIS strong point of Uqayribat.

The government forces are likely to continue their advance towards the East before creating more IS pockets and launch a final offensive against the IS in Deir Ezzor, where the militant outfit stands on last-leg.

Moving ahead on the Sukhna-Deir Ezzor highway, the government forces are likely to advance from the Ithria-Rasafa highway and then head towards Euphrates River. This, however, exposes them to Syrian Democratic Forces and the YPG backed by the US who are likely to carry out a similar advance.

While the Syrian forces are inching closer to Deir Ezzor, expected to launch a final offensive by September, reports suggest the US backed Kurdish-led SDF are also mulling a parallel offensive within weeks.

Nonetheless, the Assad-led army can also continue their advance along positions east of Al Tanf towards Al Bukamal which leads to Deir Ezzor towards the north.