VIDEO: Syrian Army expands buffer zone around Palmyra – Map

After storming the Jazal gas field on Sunday, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) was able to impose full control over the oil-rich site on Monday and seized the adjacent Jazal mountain.

Meanwhile, the SAA also continued its operations north and east of Palmyra city, attacking ISIS-held farms in the groves area surrounding the city. Next up, government forces hope to liberate the Palmyra Silos east of Palmyra.

Despite highly active Russian and Syrian warplanes dominating the skies over the mountainous desert terrain of eastern Homs, the Islamic State still maintains a considerable fighting force in the region.

While gradually expanding the buffer zone around the ancient city of Palmyra, Syrian government forces could possibly embark upon a major eastwards military campaign which ultimately looks to lift the siege of Deir Ezzor, a city some 170 kilometers away.

Active on the Palmyra frontier are the Shaitat tribesmen, the newly formed 5th Legion, elements of the SAA’s 18th Tank Division, Military Shield Forces, Al-Badia branch, National Defence Forces, a contingent of Hezbollah fighters and some Iraqi paramilitary units.

Source: AMN