Syrian paratroopers land behind ISIL’s lines to liberate 20km of territory near Raqqa

The Syrian military carried out a special operation on Friday night to clear more than 20km of territory under the Islamic State’s (ISIL) control near the Homs-Raqqa border.

According to a government source, paratroopers from the Syrian Special Forces landed behind the Islamic State’s lines near the town of Al-Kadeer last night to begin their strategic operation.

As a result of this operation the Syrian Army was able to liberate the towns of Khirbat Makman and Al-Kadeer, as well as 12km of desert terrain located in southeast Al-Raqqa.

During the operation, the Syrian airborne forces killed tens of Islamic State terrorists and destroyed at least three tanks and 17 vehicles fitted with anti-aircraft machine guns.

The military would also dismantle seven car bombs and seize two BMP tanks that belonged to the terrorist group.