Government, Iran’s forces evacuate bases in Syrian Desert
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Syrian government forces and Iran-backed militias evacuated on Friday their bases and positions in the Syrian Desert, as Islamic State (ISIS) activity increased.
A government source told North Press that hundreds of personnel were withdrawn from numerous recently established checkpoints and bases in the Syrian Desert.
The source also stated that these forces were relocated to residential areas in Palmyra and Homs countryside, central Syria, and Deir ez-Zor countryside, eastern Syria.
On Jan.10, there have been unprecedented desertions among the ranks of the auxiliary forces in their positions in the village of Tayba in Homs countryside.
The Syrian Desert occupies approximately half of Syria’s territory, covering an area of 80,000 square kilometers. For years, the government forces and the Iran-backed militias have been conducting campaigns targeting ISIS cells in the Syrian Desert. The desert’s valleys and mountains have provided a favorable environment for ISIS militants to establish hideouts and launch surprise attacks.