Syrian Ground, Air Forces Continue to Target ISIL Strongholds across Homs Province

“The ISIL military camps and sites in Hadath, Hawareen, Quaryatayn and Maheen in the Southeast of the province were massively bombed by the Syrian fighter jets, which left tens of militants dead or wounded.

“In the meantime, the Syrian army and the country’s National Defense Forces (NDF) targeted the gathering centers of al-Nusra Front in the surroundings of Jabourin, Abu al-Sanasel and Um Sharshouh villages North of Homs province, destroying their fortified sites, bases, weapons, and military equipment,” the sources said.

A large-scale operation by the Syrian government forces and backed up by Russian and Syrian fighter jets started on Saturday to recapture Maheen from the ISIL.

“The Syria army troops, the NDF and Hezbollah fighters, backed up by the Russian warplanes’ bombardments, stormed the positions of the ISIL terrorists near the strategic town of Maheen,” the army said.

“The Russian fighter jets have been staging massive air raids on ISIL stronghold since start of the operation to pave the way for the ground troops to break through the terrorists’ defense lines,” the army added.

“The ground forces raided the ISIL defense lines following a blitzkreig by the Russian warplanes,” the army went on to say.

“Heavy clashes are currently underway between the Syrian forces and the ISIL militants,” the army said.

“The government forces have taken back the fifth Station Northwest of Maheen after killing and wounding tens of militants,” the army added.

The army further added that the Russian warplanes have started the heavy bombardment of ISIL positions in Quaryatayn and Hadath too.

The strategic city of Quaryatayn is less than 15km to the East of Maheen.

Maheen and the town of Hawareen were captured by the ISIL after the army retreated from the region two weeks ago.

Maheen is home to one of the four main arms depot of Syria, and the biggest in the Eastern parts of the country.