The Syrian military has launched strikes against ISIS in central Syria. Reuters. The battle occurred between Dier Ez Zor and Palmyra in the area of al-Sukhna. ISIS had lost their holding in the al-Sukhna area but some of their fighters remain and have been harassing Syrian military units on convoys. Syria has launched air strikes targeting movement of ISIS units in the area. Though ISIS has lost almost all of their territory in Syria, with the besieged village of Baghouz being their last holding, the terrorist groups has already begun to move underground.
My Comment:
Just a quick post pointing out that the siege in Baghouz isn't the only game in town. Though the siege has gotten the most headlines, the fight against ISIS isn't just in the area. Indeed, this skirmish is likely how the battle against ISIS will continue after they lose their last holding. Instead of major battles it will be small skirmishes and airstrikes on units on the move. That and terror attacks when ISIS gets ambitious. I doubt we will see ISIS gaining any territory back but they aren't just going to disappear completely.
It also shows that we probably can pull out of Syria soon enough. The Syrian military is a better position than it has been in a long time. They have less foes at this point and control much of the country. They still face al-Nusra and other rebel groups in the north but they aren't overwhelmed by them and can fight ISIS too. And they have a major reason to do so as ISIS is more of a threat to them then it is to anyone else.
ISIS is not going to go away even after Baghouz falls, which should happen any day now. They will move underground but they won't be able to do much. Harassment and attacks is about all they can handle. And even that is pretty much out of there reach. They are going to be under major pressure from both the regime and the SDF.
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