The militants of the Islamic State terrorist organization attacked units of the Syrian Arab army in the central part of the republic.
According to reports, large jihadists were involved in the attack, which allowed them to gain a foothold in the area of Al-Shul, Deir-ez-Zor province, not far from the oil field.
On the night of December 17, the terrorists, breaking into two groups of about 50 each, attacked government posts at the M-20 highway south of Al-Shula. As a result of the attack, most of the Syrian troops died. Survivors were forced to retreat towards Deir ez-Zor. Thus, the militants of the Islamic state were able to capture two roadblocks at once.
However, the rampant Islamists did not end there. A day later, IS fighters stormed the SAA stronghold in the same area, north-west of the settlement Al-Shula. As a result, the object was also captured. At the moment, the section of the route between the settlements of As-Sukhna and Al-Shul is blocked. The Syrian Arab army is pulling reinforcements into the area.
As News Front previously reported, the last such major attack by the IS was observed in early October against the backdrop of the ongoing Turkish military operation, Source of Peace. Then the jihadists attacked the city of Raqqa, which they previously wanted to make their capital. Fifty to hundreds of Islamists and at least three suicide bombers participated in the assault.