Syria forces make new advances against Daesh

Syria's military and allied fighters have made new advances against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group and other terrorists in the country's strategic southern desert.

Various sources, including opposition media channels, confirmed on Saturday that the government and allied troops had secured a large territory in the Syrian Desert. They said the region covered some key areas that used to be under the control of Daesh and other terrorist groups that enjoy support from the West.

The Syrian Central Military media said 5,000 km in the desert area were secured in the multi-pronged operation, which began more than two weeks ago. The gains restore the government's control over mineral and oil resources, including the key phosphate mines in Khneifes, a major source of revenue for Daesh.

Other sources said Syrian forces also recaptured al-Ilianiya, an area controlled by US-backed militants near the border with Jordan. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which advocates Syria’s opposition, said Syrian forces had secured a total of 6,000 km in the desert since the offensive began earlier this month.

Experts say gains made on Saturday would significantly boost the morale of the government forces in the battle against militants while they could hugely facilitate the advance toward the province of Dayr al-Zawr, where Daesh holds a grip. The advances also widen the government's control south of Palmyra in Homs province while the highway linking Palmyra to the capital Damascus would also be secured.

SS