DAMASCUS, SYRIA (1:50 P.M.) – Syrian Arab Army (SAA) managed to completely repel a powerful assault launched by the so-called “Islamic State” (IS, formerly ISIL/ISIS) jihadists in Deir Ezzor city on Saturday.
Militants stormed positions of government forces in eastern districts of the city, as well as in its western outskirts, trying to take advantage of the sandstorm which was raging in the area.
However, SAA soldiers were well-prepared for the assault. Having actively used missiles and artillery fire, government forces quickly repulsed the assault forcing jihadists to retreat to starting points.
Russian Federal News Agency (FAN) published a video footage which can be seen below:
On Sunday morning, Syrian Army launched a barrage of artillery shells on IS positions and gatherings around Deir Ezzor military airport, in the city cemetery area and around city landfill. Several vehicles were reportedly destroyed as result of direct hits.
Meanwhile, in eastern Homs countryside, units of SAA’s 5th Army Corps continue pounding IS defenses with artillery and missiles striking positions of jihadists in Al-Mushayrifah Al-Janoubiyah area, at Talilah crossroads and in the surroundings of Arak town.
These actions may indicate preparation for a long-awaited operation to lift two-year-long siege of Deir Ezzor.
