Syrian Army Deploys Forces in Heights Close to ISIL-Held Palmyra

The army soldiers continued to hit ISIL’s defense lines West of Palmyra and managed to take control over al-Maqaleh height and the town of al-Tamthil, deploying forces close to Jabal (mount) al-Tar overlooking the ancient city’s gateway.

In the meantime, the army men could advance against ISIL from the direction of Mount al-Hayel and captured several hills overlooking the Palmyra Triangle Southwest of the city.

Elsewhere in the same province, the army’s artillery units and aircraft pounded the positions of Al-Nusra Front (recently renamed to Fatah al-Sham Front) and other terrorist groups in al-Wa’er settlement in the Northwestern countryside of Homs city and in the villages and towns of al-Farhaniyeh, al-Qantou, Deir Foul and Talbiseh in Northern Homs, inflicting major losses on the terrorists.

Reports said earlier today that the army men struck ISIL’s defense lines and won back al-Seyaqah School in al-Bayarat region West of Palmyra after hours of intense battle with the terrorists.

The army soldiers meantime stormed ISIL’s positions Northwest of Palmyra and seized full control over al-Maqale al-Rakhamiyeh region (marble stone mines), a road connecting Wadi al-Abyadh dam and Palmyra and the entire territories surrounding al-Maher oilfield.

The army troops also drove ISIL out of Hill 5,939 that is the highest in Hayal Mountains overlooking the Triangle of Palmyra.

The army men further fortified their newly-captured positions in areas surrounding the Palmyra Triangle, al-Seyaqah School, al-Maqale al-Rakhamiyeh and Syriatel hill.

Another military source pointed out that the army’s control over the road to Wadi al-Abyadh dam has cut off ISIL’s communication lines to Raqqa.