Formal objective: to monitor the pro-ISIS jihadists activities. In reality, Tehran wants to protect its militias and interests in the area from US and Israeli strikes.
The SDF arrest a trafficker with 18,000 pills for IS militiamen from Badia to Deir Ezzor. Covid-19 has increased its use among jihadists, even with deception.
IS changes strategy: from lightning raids to complex ones with kidnapping of soldiers. To the north, pro-Turkish militias continue to infiltrate Kurdistan.
Violent battles between soldiers, supported by Russia, and jihadists in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle. In cities, security is strengthened for fear of IS reprisals.
New IS attack against a military convoy. Damascus asks Russia for concrete help and meanwhile sends reinforcements. These, however, don’t know the territory unlike the enemies.
Russian fighters and pro-Iran militias also participate in the anti-IS maneuvers. Meanwhile, SDF fortify eastern quadrant of Deir Ezzor and the surveillance along the Euphrates.
M2A2 Bradley tanks and mechanized infantry units arrive in Deir Ezzor, while the SDF tighten the vigilance along the Euphrates. Meanwhile, the hunt for IS leaders continues.
Many IS commanders captured or killed across the country, from Anbar to Kirkuk. Baghdad also strengthens surveillance on the border with Syria to stop infiltrations.
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.