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Voiceover by Harold Hoover
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and its allies conducted a surprise operation against US-backed militants in the desert east of Damascus. Government forces liberated Dier Nasrani, Rajm Bakar, Jabal Makhoul, Bi’r Makhoul, Jabal Seis, Tal Sad Risha, Al-Qasr, Khirbat umm Atayiq, Banat Baeir, Surat Aliyah, Tulul al-Faddayn, Tal al-Asfar, and nearby points.
The aim of the operation was to clear the militant-held pocket northeast of Suweida and to oppress the units of US-backed militant groups operating in the area since they pose a threat to the countryside of the Syrian capital. According to some sources, US-backed forces have already withdrawn from the area. However, this still has to be confirmed.
US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) recaptured the village of Ukayrishah from ISIS in the southeastern Raqqah countryside. The SDF is slowly moving along the Euphrates River capturing villages located near the road to Deir Ezzor. The goal of these efforts, being taken during the battle for Raqqah, is to set conditions for an expected operation against ISIS in the Deir Ezzor countryside.
If the SDF reaches and captures the town of Maadan, the US-backed force will have a useful position for an attempt to seize oil fields located in the northern countryside of the government-held part of Deir Ezzor City besieged by ISIS. This could also be used for a push towards the ISIS-held town of al Maydan. Capturing it would enable the SDF to cut off the Deir Ezzor-Baghdad highway and to secure a position for an advance on another ISIS-held town, al-Bukamal.
Meanwhile, SDF units continued their attempts at retaking the Old Raqqah area in the ISIS-held city of Raqqah. Following a heavy bombardment campaign by US-led airpower and artillery, the SDF captured some of Old Raqqah but faced fierce resistance from ISIS. Intense fighting is on-going in the area.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi has officially declared the liberation of the city of Mosul from ISIS terrorists. The declaration of the liberation of Mosul followed the victory of Iraqi security forces over ISIS in the Old Mosul area. However, the security situation in the city remains complicated. Iraqi forces are working to remove IEDs and mines set up by ISIS as well as searching for the terrorist group’s sleeper cells.
Sputnik reporting RussianI military adviser killed by artillery shelling by….militants…
Which ones? Does not say terrorists….
Here it is:
https://sputniknews.com/news/201707111055452463-russian-defense-adviser-killed-hama/
Mod
Military maps has it that the mortar fire came from ISIS controlled area
thank you very much
Updates
“… As the good news of Eastern Damascus and Suweida victory continue to arrive, some reflections on the current status of this large area from central Syria to Jordan.
East Qalamoun.
East Qalamoun deal is almost done, this whole central pocket will be reconciled in few days and it will be under the Syrian Government without a bullet fired. A small detail worth noting is that the vast majority of the terrorists will stay and join the local NDF.
Suweida & Eastern Damascus.
With Suweida and eastern Damascus almost rat free, it is important to note that this is BY FAR, the safest time for Damascus since late 2011. The East Ghouta pocket is shrinking quickly and soon they will be also forced to accept a reconciliation. Damascus fully safe means Syria is 2/3rd way through this war of aggression.
US Proxis in Suweida.
US terrorists in Suweida were taken by surprise due to the 3 axis attack, they lost dozens of terrorists and there is a large group trying to buy a safe passage toward the Jordanian border at the moment, the rats are fully trapped.
The US terrorists were unable to receive or did not receive any intel from the US on the SAA and allies advance in Suweida and east Damascus, it will be interesting to see the US reaction when the SAA gets a large chunk of the border up to Rukban crossing, where the largest Syrian refugee camp is located right in the Jordanian side of the border. This camp is one of the largest terrorists’ recruitment point for the southern front.
Tiger Forces.
The Tiger Forces got the needed rest and it is now about to start a new offensive toward Der ez Zor, we will see action very soon.”
High noon in the desert. 4000 tribesmen on the way to Deir Ezzor for the final showdown with ISIS (via SouthFront).
https://southfront.org/video-large-convoy-of-pro-government-tribal-fighters-moving-to-participate-for-advance-on-deir-ezzor/