Syria: recent updates from around the country

Although the focus in Syria has shifted recently to the city of Aleppo, which is on the verge of completely falling to government forces, other parts of the country have seen territory changes and clashes recently. The events in Aleppo demand greater attention due to the city’s status as arguably the most important urban center in the country (after Damascus), however there have been minor incidents across Syria within the past week. This article will serve as a brief update on several governorates that have not been in the news recently:

Dimashq – Following the evacuation of surrendered militants at the end of November, EODs and engineers began demining the area of Khan al-Shih¹. The following day, Khan al-Shih and Zakiyah were fully evacuated of all militants². Skirmishes and clashes continued throughout East Ghouta as December began. Jaish al-Islam soldiers destroyed a government T-72 west of Midaani on December 3^rd. On December 7^th, Hawsh al-Shalaq was captured by government soldiers in a new offensive³.

A map of the West Ghouta area, with the surrendered regions outlined in darker red.

Hama – Several FSA rebel groups united to form the new operations room “Tajammu Tilab Bilad al-Sham” in northern Hama on the 28^th of November⁴. Jaish al-Nasr and SAA artillery exchanged fire around Souran on December 2^nd and 3^rd. On the 3^rd, reinforcements from the government unit “Qalamoun Shield” arrived at Hama in anticipation of an upcoming offensive⁵.

Soldiers from the SAA regiment “Qalamoun Shield” arrive in Hama in preparation for a new offensive.

Homs – SAA and NDF fighters repelled an IS offensive on al-Amiriyyah village in the eastern Homs desert on the 27^th of November⁶. Brief clashes occurred around Maher Gas Field and an IS technical was destroyed. On the 28^th, SyAAF warplanes raided a meeting of Ahrar al-Shaam leaders, killing at least three⁷. On the 1^st, IS Amaq Agency claimed the destruction of two BMPs east of Tadmur, and further fighting on the 4^th and 5^th around Sha’er Gas Field resulted in SAA forces suffering losses and retreating⁸. At the time of this post, IS had launched a new offensive on points in rural Tadmur and Homs, capturing the town of Huwaysis and several major gas fields.

IS fighters pose for a photo outside of the captured town of Huwaysis, December 7.

Deir-ez-Zor – Supply drops on the 27^th and 28^th provided heavy weapons, ammo, and supplies to government defenders at the Deir-ez-Zor Airbase⁹. Clashes at the 137^th Brigade Base on the 1^st result in heavy casualties for both IS and the SAA. SyAAF airstrikes occur on the 2^nd and 4^th on villages around the city. An IS ATGM team knocks out an SAA T-62 and a supply truck on the 5^th during fighting near the 137^th Brigade Base¹⁰.

On December 1, SAA fighters hold their positions at the 137th Brigade checkpoint in clashes against IS.

Hasakah – Clashes and raids between YPG/SDF and IS in southern Hasakah countryside have been constant. A new offensive launched on the 4^th by YPG units aims to capture IS stronghold of Markhada¹¹.

An FSA combat report from the al-Bab operations, reporting on the beginning of the offensive.

Al-Bab – On the 28^th, TFSA forces attempted to advance on IS trenches north of Qabasin and were forced back after hours of fighting¹². Farther west, SDF soldiers captured the hamlet of Azraq and surrounding olive groves from TFSA fighters¹³. Jabhat al-Shamiyah launched another attack on Qabasin on the 1^st and were able to remove IS fighters from the vicinity¹⁴. Light clashes have occurred since then.