BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:40 P.M.) – The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies launched the third phase of “Operation Dawn” this week in a bid to liberate the Islamic State’s (ISIS) new capital, Albukamal, in southeast Deir Ezzor.
Backed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Syrian Arab Army began the third phase of the offensive by liberating 7km of territory along the Deir Ezzor-Albukamal Road.
Following this advance east of the T-2 Military Airport, the Syrian Arab Army and their allies continued their push along this road by liberating another 11km territory on Wednesday morning.
As a result of this advance, the Syrian Arab Army and their allies are now within 50km of Albukamal, marking their closest approach to the city since their withdrawal in July 2012.