38 ISIS terrorists killed in Deir Ezzor today as Syrian Army strikes back

Heavy skirmishes embroiled Deir Ezzor today as the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and ISIS terrorists continued to battle over the provincial capital. Effectively, 23 ISIS fighters were killed as government troops demolished 3 buildings along the al-Arfi street which is located near the Hamdiyeh district and Old Airport neighbourhood. Furthermore, the Syrian Air Force targeted ISIS positions at the town of Al-Muhasan (south of Deir Ezzor city) which in turn destroyed 4 vehicles and an estimated 15 terrorists.

Meanwhile, sporadic clashes are still ongoing at the al-Sina’ah district and Industrial Center as the SAA controls about 80% of both neighbourhoods. Remarkably, the SAA suffered no casualties in Deir Ezzor during today’s battle. The main fighting force on the government side in Deir Ezzor is made up of: – The 104th Brigade of the Republican Guard (led by Major General Issam Zahreddine). – The al-Qassem group (led by General Ghassan Tarraf). – The 137th Artillery Brigade. – The 17th Reserve Division. – local Sunni fighters of the al-Shaitat tribe.

Not much is known about ISIS’ military manpower and capabilities in Deir Ezzor; however, their fighters greatly outnumber the government soldiers defending the provincial capital. Currently, Tiger Forces (elite offensive SAA branch) are pushing east of Palmyra as Major General Suheil al-Hassan has been tasked with breaking the ISIS siege on Deir Ezzor.