Video- Syrian Army, Palestinian paramilitary advance against ISIS en route to Deir Ezzor

Syrian government forces and their allies continue their vital offensive in Palmyra countryside that is aimed at reaching the besieged city of Deir Ezzor.

On Wednesday, Syrian Army’s 5th Corps backed by Palestinian paramilitary Al-Quds brigade and National Defense Forces (NDF) made a significant advance against the so-called “Islamic State” (IS, formerly ISIL/ISIS) east of Palmyra, capturing the whole Mustadirah mountain chain (marked with “1” on the featured map).

As a result, government forces have surrounded Arak gas field and Arak town from three different flanks. Both sites are crucial due to their strategic location along Palmyra – Deir Ezzor highway.

In the meantime, another contingent of Syrian Army and allies pushed southeast of Palmyra capturing Zenoubia resort area (marked with “2” on the featured map) situated 4 kilometres east of Sukkari quarries. This allowed government troops to reach the outskirts of Bir Abbasiyah.

The main goal of current Army’s manoeuvres is to surround the Talilah Reserve area forcing IS jihadists to leave it which, in turn, will make it possible for government forces to push further east, towards T3 Pumping Station.

Meanwhile, south of Palmyra, Syrian Army seized Tall Fari mountaintop from IS jihadists. The site is located 25 kilometres east of Sawwana area:

Helping Syrian Army and allies from the air are the Russian Aerospace Forces whose fighter jets and attack helicopters keep non-stop targeting IS positions, gatherings and reinforcements moving to the area from Sukhnah town.

Russian ANNA News agency released a video showing Al-Quds soldiers on the hills that overlook Arak area: