Syrian government forces have gained full control over Tal Ghurab (the Ghurab hill) south of the ancient city of Palmyra in the province of Homs.
Tal Ghurab is located northwest of the US garrison of Zakaf (Zquf) located near the Syrian-Iraqi border. With the liberation of Tal Ghurab, governent forces increased presssure on US-backed militants operating in the area and strengthened the Syrian military position at the border with Iraq.
The US-led coalition argues that it uses Zakaf and At Tanf in order to train some “moderate rebels” to fight ISIS in Syria. However, there are no ISIS terrorists in the border area where the US-led force operates.
Meanwhile, reports appeared that the Syrian army captured the al-Hail gas field located east of the Arak gas field. If reports confirmed, this will mean that government troops were able to break ISIS defenses in the area and to develop momentum in the direction of the strategic ISIS-held town of Sukhnah.
Sukhnah is a key ISIS stronghold en route to Deir Ezzor. If government forces liberate it, they will have an opportunity to launch a military operation in order to lift the ISIS siege from Deir Ezzor.
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