According to reports, during an attack by ISIS members on a military base near the ancient area of Palmyra, "at least 30 people" from the Syrian army and pro-Assad militias, "including several Iranian citizens," were killed. Reuters, citing the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and several residents around Palmyra, states that the group known as the "Islamic State" attacked a base near the Palmyra dam using suicide bombers and armored vehicles on the evening of May 22. This attack occurred just one day after the Syrian army announced it had driven ISIS militants from an area around the city of Damascus and had full control of the surrounding areas during the seven-year civil war. The Syrian army and Assad supporters had been engaged in battles with ISIS for weeks to retake the Yarmouk camp and the Hajar al-Aswad area. ISIS has managed to take control of Palmyra twice during the Syrian civil war, destroying ancient artifacts and executing their captives in the remnants of this ancient civilization. Reuters reports, citing a resident from eastern Homs, that ISIS members attacked the army and pro-Assad militias from their hideouts in the surrounding deserts, killing at least 30 of them. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights states that at least 26 people were killed, more than half of whom were "non-Syrian militants, including Iranian citizens." Social media networks close to the Syrian government published a list of 16 Syrian army officers and soldiers who were killed during the attack. Iranian officials have not yet reacted to the reports. It is unclear how many ISIS members were killed or wounded during the events.
At least 30 killed in ISIS attack on army and Assad supporters in Palmyra
An ISIS attack near Palmyra resulted in at least 30 fatalities among Syrian army forces and pro-Assad militias, including Iranian citizens. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISIS in Syria despite recent military successes against the group. The attack underscores the complex dynamics of the Syrian civil war and the involvement of foreign fighters.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
ISIS launched an attack on a military base near Palmyra, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals from the Syrian army and pro-Assad militias, including Iranian citizens. The assault utilized suicide bombers and armored vehicles, indicating a coordinated and significant operation by ISIS.
- The attack occurred near the Palmyra dam on May 22.
- The Syrian army had recently claimed to have regained control over areas previously held by ISIS.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Syrian civil war has been ongoing since 2011, with various factions, including ISIS, vying for control. Iran has been a key ally of the Assad regime, providing military support.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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