Isis raises the bar against the SAA in Deir Ezzor: from IED attacks to ambushes of soldiers in the Badia al-Sham desert between Abu Kamal and Mayadeen

Isis raises the bar against the Syrian army (SAA) in Deir Ezzor, passing from a “remote” guerrilla war to ambushes against soldiers. In the past few hours, groups of IS militiamen have carried out surprise attacks against columns of allied vehicles of the SAA or military units, which had entered the Badia al-Sham desert to clear the area from the jihadist cells. In the last period, however, the terrorists preferred to hit the enemy with IEDs activated automatically or thanks to “trigger men” between Abu Kamal and Mayadeen. There is no official confirmation yet, but it seems that the fundamentalists have adopted a new strategy in the quadrant, characterized by an offensive rather than a defensive posture.

Damascus, fearing that IS has launched a new offensive like The Saga of Exhaustion 2, asks for help from Russia and strengthens security west of the Euphrates

Damascus is concerned about this evolution of Isis, not only in Deir Ezzor but also in the neighboring Syrian provinces, and has asked Russia for help. Not surprisingly, Federation fighters bombed IS posts south of Raqqa and in the Badia al-Sham desert. The strikes were the response to attacks by jihadists against SAA barracks in Zamla, Mansoura and Rusafa. In parallel, the government has sent additional reinforcements to the east of the country and is increasing security at the bases west of the Euphrates. These elements suggest, in fact, that the militiamen may have started a new offensive against the regime’s soldiers. Perhaps in continuation of the operation “The Saga of Exhaustion 2”, which aimed to “punish” the Damascus troops in Deir Ezzor.