Syrian Army, Hezbollah liberate strategic point in Palmyra: map update

The Syrian Arab Army’s “Tiger Forces” – backed by Liwaa Suqour Al-Sahra (Desert Hawks Brigade), Hezbollah, and Liwaa Imam ‘Ali (Iraqi paramilitary) – liberated another point near the strategic city of Palmyra (Tadmur) after a violent battle with the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) on Wednesday night. According to a Al-Masdar field correspondent, the Syrian Armed Forces imposed full control over Point 939, which is located directly east of the recently captured Hayyal Mountains in Palmyra’s Western countryside.

Following the capture of Point 939 tonight, the Syrian Armed Forces are now within 6 km of Palmyra’s southwestern gates and approximately 450 meters away from ISIS’ primary training camp at the Qatari Royal Villa.

The Desert Hawks Brigade has been doing most of the fighting in the Palmyra countryside lately, as several battalions from this special operations unit continues to inch closer to this imperative desert city in the Homs Governorate’s eastern countryside.

Furthermore, the arrival of several Hezbollah brigades to Palmyra should propel the government forces against the deeply entrenched ISIS fighters that are unwilling to yield any territory to the enemy forces. Currently, no clashes have been reported from the Palmyra countryside, thanks in large part to the Russian Air Force’s ongoing aerial assault over ISIS’ positions near Al-Sakhanah.