The SDF at Deir Ezzor broke the lines of defense of Isis north of Hajin, managing to penetrate the city. Now they consolidate the areas conquered from the Islamic State before advancing further

The SDF at Deir Ezzor have penetrated into Hajin and are fighting Isis in the remote areas of the city. Operation Round Up (Jazeera Storm) troops broke through the defense lines of the Islamic State north of the stronghold, succeeding in gaining some strategic positions in the more peripheral neighborhoods. The goal of the Syrian fighters is now to consolidate and extend them, before proceeding towards the center. This, in order to have a greater attack surface against Daesh, which speeds up maneuvers and prevents sudden actions to force the Arab-Kurdish forces to fall outwards. Meanwhile, the Coalition continues to provide close air support, relentlessly bombarding jihadist garrisons. Only from 11 to 17 November there were 168 strikes against the militia in the area. Iraqi forces are also continuing their attacks in Baghuz. The ISF aim to prevent possible terrorist escapes to the south.

The Syrian army (SAA) masses forces to attack Daesh in the Badia desert, between Homs and Deir Ezzor. The military, however, will find the same problems experienced in Suweida

Meanwhile, the Syrian army (SAA) after the liberation of Suweida from Isis, seems to have decided to aim against the pocket of the jihadists in the Badia desert. Soldiers, instead going in to Middle Euphrates River Valley (MERV) are going to deploy at the borders of the area between Homs and Deir Ezzor. This to prepare a new offensive against the Islamic State. However, it will not be a walk to Damascus. According to some local sources in the area there are some thousands of Daesh militiamen. Moreover, this is similar to Al-Safa: a desert with different mountains and caverns. As a result, it offers many advantages to those who defend themselves, rather to those who attack. As it has experienced the SAA in Suweida, which required 104 days of battle and many lives of soldiers to be considered “IS-Free”.