The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that fierce clashes are underway in Al-Sukhnah desert in the eastern countryside of Homs, between regime forces and loyalists, and the “Islamic State” which is still alive in this area.

According to SOHR, the clashes followed a large-scale offensive by ISIS members on regime positions, accompanied by exchange of fire between both parties and airstrikes by Russian jets on frontlines and other positions in the desert.

“Observatory activists have documented gross human losses in the ranks of both sides. 18 regime soldiers and loyalists, and 11 ISIS members were killed in today’s clashes, while unconfirmed reports suggested there were more casualties,” SOHR said.

Since the 24th of March 2019, SOHR has documented the killing of at least 401 regime soldiers and loyalists of Syrian and non-Syrian nationalities, including at least two Russians, and 75 Iranian-backed militiamen of non-Syrian nationalities. All were killed in attacks, bombings and ambushes by the “Islamic State”, west of Euphrates in the deserts of Deir Ezzor, Homs, and Al-Suwaidaa.

Also four civilians working in gas fields, two shepherds and four other people were killed and documented by SOHR in the same period, from late March 2019 until today. They were killed in attacks by ISIS cells. While 135 ISIS members were also killed in attacks and bombardment in the same period.