Syrian Army preparing massive offensive inside Deir Ezzor

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is preparing for a massive offensive inside the Deir Ezzor Governorate that will concentrate on the western region of the province under the Islamic State’s (ISIL) control.

According to a local military source, the Syrian Arab Army’s two Republican Guard forces (104th Airborne Brigade and Al-Qassem Group) will lead the assault, alongside the 123rd Brigade of the 3rd Division and 137th Artillery Brigade of the 17th Reserve Division.

The source added that the Syrian Arab Army will attempt to recapture the Deir Ezzor provincial cemetery and Thardeh Mountains that overlook the strategic military airport.

Currently, the Syrian Arab Army is fully besieged at the Deir Ezzor Airport, as the Islamic State maintains control over the main road leading from the provincial capital to the military installation.