Illustrative image: Syrian troops
On December 11, the ISIS-linked news agency Amaq claimed that members of ISIS launched a large attack on positions of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) near the border city of al-Bukamal.
According to pro-ISIS sources, the terrorists conducted at least one vehicle-borne improvised explosive device and killed over 20 government troops during the attack. A battle tank and a BMP vehicle of the SAA were also reportedly destroyed.
The attack allegedly took place northwest of al-Bukamal. However, according to pro-government sources, ISIS units were not able to achieve any notable gains and were forced to withdraw after a seires of clashes with the SAA.
The situation in the area remains tense. A large number of ISIS members is now besieged in the Homs desert and in the border area between Syria and Iraq north of al-Bukamal. These terrorists still pose a threat to Syrian troops and US-backed forces operating there.
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