Syrian desert | Squadron of Russian jets pound desert with dozens of airstrikes, and ISIS targets pro-Iranian militias in southern Al-Mayadeen

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has monitored Russian flying over the Syrian desert, after suspension of aerial operations for more than 48 hours. Where six Russian jets executed more than 40 airstrikes since the morning, targeting ISIS positions in the desert of Deir ez-Zor and the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory has monitored the fall of rocket-propelled grenades, fired by members of the group on the perimeter of Ali shrine, south of the city of Al-Mayadeen, in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor. The shells fell on positions of local militias loyal to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, resulting in injuries among them.

Yesterday, SOHR activists reported fierce clashes near Al-Sukhnah city in Homs desert following an ambush by ISIS members targeting vehicles affiliated to regime forces and their proxies on Damascus-Deir Ezzor highway.

According to SOHR sources, regime forces called for support to the conflict zones, forcing ISIS members to withdraw after killing four regime soldiers and loyalists and injuring others.

This attack coincides with cessation of aerial operations by Russian jets on the Syrian desert for over 48 hours. However, regime jets and helicopters executed nearly ten strikes on ISIS positions in the past 48 hours.