Major push made by Syrian Army, Hezbollah units south of Palmyra

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Hezbollah continued their advance in the Palmyra countryside on Tuesday, striking ISIL forces near the Al-Abtar Mountains.

Led by the Russian-trained 5th Legion, the Syrian Arab Army and Hezbollah stormed the remaining points under the Islamic State’s control south of the Al-Abtar Mountains, liberating several sites en route to their advance to the Sawwanah Junction.

According to some local activists, the Syrian Arab Army and Hezbollah have liberated the Sawwanah Junction and pushing towards the Khunayfis Phosphate Mines.

Liberating the Sawwanah Junction is a major step in securing Palmyra’s southern flank, as ISIL’s large presence in this mountainous region has plagued the Syrian Arab Army in the past.