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On December 17, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), Hezbollah and Iranian-backed forces recaptured all the positions that they previously lost in the Euphrates valley from ISIS and secured the Deir Ezzor–al-Bukamal highway, according to Syrian pro-government sources.
On December 12, ISIS launched a rapid attack and managed to captured several positions of the SAA between Mayadin and al-Bukamal cities, in a desperate attempt to secure a foothold along the Euphrates river. However, the SAA and allies launched their counter attack against ISIS on December 16.
The pro-opposition Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that ISIS lost over 52 fighters during its attack on the western bank of the Euphrates. From its side, the SAA lost 70 of its soldiers while repelling ISIS attack according to SOHR.
The SAA and its allies will likely resume their military operation to eliminate the besieged ISIS fighters in the eastern Homs desert in the coming days. If the SAA delays its military operation in the Homs desert again, the terrorist group may launch another attack on SAA positions in the Euphrates Valley.
