Government forces launch sweeping operation in Syrian Desert
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian government forces announced on Saturday the launch of a large-scale sweep operation in the Syrian Desert in response to increasing attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS).
A military source told North Press that the government forces, alongside their affiliated National Defense Forces (NDF), supported by Russian troops, have initiated the operation.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Homs and Deir ez-Zor that brought together leaders from all security branches, the Syrian army, and the NDF militias.
According to the source, NDF groups moved toward the Jebel Bishri in the west of Deir ez-Zor, and the government forces advanced into the desert near the town of al-Sukhnah and Palmyra. In addition, forces of the Russian-backed Division 25 headed into the desert near Homs and Hama.
The operation is expected to continue for several days, the source added.
The Syrian Desert occupies almost half of Syria, extending into the governorates of Hama, Homs, Raqqa, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zor.
Much of this desert is under the control of Iranian-backed militias and the government forces. This area often experiences attacks, primarily from ISIS sleeper cells.
The attacks highlight the persistent threat posed by ISIS in the Syrian Desert, where the group continues to operate despite efforts to diminish its presence.