BEIRUT, LEBANON (12:30 A.M.) – The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) launched a large-scale offensive in the Deir Ezzor Governorate on Saturday, targeting several sites in-and-around the provincial capital.
ISIS began the assault by simultaneously storming the Al-Baghiliyah and Al-Rashidiyah districts of Deir Ezzor city; this resulted in a fierce battle with the Syrian Arab Army’s 123rd Brigade.
Not long after attacking the provincial capital, the Islamic State launched another powerful attack on the Deir Ezzor Airport, striking the eastern perimeter of this strategic military installation before they chose to concentrate on the Thardeh Valley and Panorama Roundabout.
The only gains made by the Islamic State on Saturday were at the Deir Ezzor Cemetery and Al-Jafra villages; these would later be reversed by the Syrian Arab Army after a swift counter-attack.
According to a military source, the Islamic State suffered more than 70 casualties during the first day of this offensive, while the Syrian Arab Army reported 19 killed-in-action and over 30 wounded.
The Islamic State is expected to launch their second phase of this large-scale offensive in the coming hours, as they look to close-on the Syrian Arab Army’s positions.
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