Syrian forces infiltrate ISIS area in Deir Ezzor

According to a military source close to commander-in-chief Issam Zahraddine, elements of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) conducted a special operation on Tuesday which entailed sneaking behind ISIS positions at Jabal Thardah and planting two IED’s (improvised explosive devices) near an Islamic State outpost.

The mission was carried out under the cover of darkness – once light broke and ISIS fighters were observed near the IED’s, the SAA detonated the bombs, killing at least 20 ISIS militants and injuring scores more in the process.

Jabal Thardah is still contested between ISIS and the SAA; the embattled mountain represents the highest point in all of Deir Ezzor, thus giving it significant strategic importance for both sides.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) carried out several air raids on the ISIS-held suburbs of Sinaa, Rashdiyah, and Huwyqah. Syrian airstrikes were also observed on the perimeter of Jabal Thurdah and the Panorama roundabout.