Late on May 11, ISIS cells launched a large attack on Syrian Arab Army (SAA) positions in Mount Bishri in the northwestern Deir Ezzor countryside.
SAA troops, backed by the National Defense Forces (NDF), repelled the attack in the early hours of the next day following fierce clashes. Heavy weapons were used by the both sides.
ISIS cells withdrew back to their positions in the Homs desert after the failed attack. The terrorist left behind some of their equipment including a pick-up truck.
NDF caputered ISIS pickup in Bishri mountain after today clashes pic.twitter.com/wywn8cpEPX
— ZOKA (@200_zoka) May 12, 2020
According to the London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the army lost six of its soldiers in the clashes. Three terrorists of ISIS were also killed.
The attack on Mount Bishri was one of ISIS’ largest attacks in Deir Ezzor this year. The mountain, which rises 825 m above sea level, overlooks vast parts of western Deir Ezzor, southern Raqqa and eastern Homs.
ISIS’ attempt to capture positions in the mountain reflects the group’s ambition to reestablish a foothold in western Euphrates.
