Syrian Army advances in Deir Ezzor amid new attempt to lift siege on airport

The Syrian Arab Army continued their counter-assault in Deir Ezzor on Tuesday night, striking the Islamic State’s (ISIS) defenses around the provincial cemetery.

Attacking from the western flank of the cemetery today was the Al-Qassem Group of the Republican Guard; they were backed by local tribesmen and contingents from the 137th and 123rd brigades of the Syrian Arab Army.

According to a military source in Deir Ezzor, the Syrian Arab Army managed to liberate more than 250 meters inside the provincial cemetery, while also cutting off the Islamic State’s main supply route to this area.

While the Syrian Arab Army was attempting to advance around the Deir Ezzor Airport, the Russian and Syrian air forces were launching a relentless series of airstrikes across the province, destroying several Islamic State installations and vehicles.

The Deir Ezzor Military Airport still remains under siege, despite repeated attempts by the Syrian Arab Army to put an end to it; however, their recent advances around the cemetery have put them in position to not only lift the siege, but also reverse the terrorist group’s gains made in December.