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The Syrian Arab Army (SAA), local fighters, and former fighters of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) are preparing to launch a new offensive against the remaining ISIS fighters in the heavily fortified area of al-Safa north of the governorate of al-Suwayda, the al-Suwayda 24 blog reported on October 11.
According to the Syria-based blog, Russian forces in Syria will support the upcoming offensive by providing ammunition, reconnaissance and close air support. Furthermore, around 150 locals from al-Safa will be guiding SAA troops through the rough area.
Last August, the SAA launched a military operation to neutralize ISIS cells north of al-Suwayda and to free around 30 civilian hostages, who were abducted by the terrorist group during the July 25 attack. While the army managed to clear the northern al-Suwayda countryside, it failed to secure al-Safa or to locate the hostages.
The Russian support and participation of the local fighters from al-Safa will likely make the new offensive more successful than the last one. However, ISIS terrorists may take advantage of the current bad weather in the area.
