Deir ez-Zor offensive (2016): Difference between revisions

Deir ez-Zor offensive (2016)
	Part of the Battle of Deir ez-Zor and the Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war
	; The situation in Deir ez-Zor as of 19 January 2016 Syrian Arab Army control Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant control
Date	16–21 January 2016; (5 days)
Location	Deir ez-Zor, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria35°20′00″N 40°09′00″E / 35.3333°N 40.1500°E
Result	ISIL victory
Territorial; changes	ISIL captures the northern suburbs of Deir Ez-zor city including Al-Bughayliyah, Ayyash and the Al Mari'iyah Farms;
Belligerents
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant	Syrian Arab Republic Syrian Arab Army; Syrian Arab Air Force; National Defense Forces; Shaitat tribe; Russian Armed Forces Russian Air Force;
Commanders and leaders
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi; Abu Hamza Al-Ansari; † (ISIL Deir ez-Zor emir); Abu Hadhefah Al-Maghrabi †; (ISIL field commander)	Lt. General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub; Maj. Gen. Issam Zahreddine; (Republican Guard commander); Brig. Gen. Yassin Mahmoud Hamoud †; Yarob Zahreddine (Commander in 104th Airborne Brigade); Brig. Gen. Yasar Ali †
Units involved
	Republican Guard: 104th Airborne Brigade; 17th Reserve Division: 137th Mechanized Brigade;
Strength
Up to 2,000[citation needed]	4,000
Casualties and losses
110+ killed	200 killed (48 executed)
	127–300 civilians killed, ≈400 civilians kidnapped

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The Deir ez-Zor offensive (2016) was an ISIL military operation, during which it took over the northern suburbs of Deir ez-Zor on 16 January 2016, and killed from 135 to 300 people, while also kidnapping about 400 others.^[11]

Background

In 2011, the Syrian Civil War began after an uprising against president Bashar al-Assad. The rebels took over Deir ez-Zor governorate except for about half of Deir ez-Zor city which stayed in the hands of the government. However, in 2014 the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) took over all the areas formerly held by the rebels. Since that time, ISIL have tried repeatedly to take over the remaining part of Deir ez-Zor city.

The offensive

Initial assault and massacre

On 16 January 2016, ISIL militants launched an attack on Deir ez-Zor. In the initial fighting, at least 35 Syrian Arab Army soldiers and allied militia fighters were killed. The group used "six suicide bombers first and they tried to break into military positions but they failed," according to the government. The British-based SOHR added that the group "carried out several assaults" during the day.^[12]

After parts of the city were overrun by ISIL,^{[citation needed]} pro-government fighters and their families were among those attacked in the neighborhoods of Baghiliya and Ayyash. The Syrian government and state media said that 250^[13]-300^[14] people were killed, including some by beheading;^[13] the SOHR had differing numbers, reporting 135 fatalities,^[14] of which 85 were civilians and 50 soldiers.^[15] ISIL also captured an army weapons depot and seized tanks.^[13] SOHR added that ISIL kidnapped about 400 civilians from families of pro-government fighters. "There is genuine fear for their lives, there is a fear that the group might execute them as it has done before in other areas."^[16] "Abu Hamza Al-Ansari”, a top ISIL commander in the province, was killed during an ISIS offensive on Ayyash and Al-Bughayliyah by the 104th Airborne Brigade.^[4]

ISIL forces continued to advance on areas held by the Syrian Government north west of Deir ez-Zor City, taking areas south and west of Baghiliya.^[16]

Attempted counterattack

Counter-strikes by Russian Air Force fighter jets, in support of Syrian army forces, were reported^[14] to take back the areas. Around 60 ISIL fighters were killed in airstrikes, according to the Russian defense ministry.^{[citation needed]}

On 19 January, ISIL launched a new offensive against government territory, taking advantage of a dust storm that all but grounded Russian warplanes.^[17] Over 80 ISIS fighters were killed while battling government forces in the Al-Baghayliyah District. 75-82 government soldiers (11 of them from the NDF) and 12 pro-government Shaytat tribesmen also died.^[1] On the next day, a pro-government source claimed government forces recaptured the Saiqa Camp, the Tal Kroum hilltop and the Ayyash weapons depot.^[18] However, subsequent reports confirmed they were still ISIL-held.^[19]^[20] Later on 20 January, the Al-Baghaliyeh district also fell to ISIL^[17] and the jihadists took the Missile Battalion Base, south of Deir Ezzor,^[21] and the Al Mari'iyah farms.^[3] Earlier in the day, a Russian air force operation delivered 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid to civilians in Al-Baghaliyeh.^[22] The advances left ISIL in control of at least 60% of Deir ez-Zor city. At this time, ISIL released 270 of the 400 civilians kidnapped over the weekend.^[17]^[22]

On 21 January, the Syrian army launched an offensive against the Baghiliya district,^[23] with 11 soldiers being killed.^[24]

Aftermath

On 22 January, Russian airstrikes killed 44 in ISIL-controlled Tala'a district^[25] and the following day, further airstrikes killed 63 in Khasham.^[25]

On 26 January, six civilians were killed by a mortar round and a Syrian Arab Army Brigade General was killed.^{[citation needed]}

On 28 January, ISIL launched an offensive against Al-Baghayliyah District in order to seize the Al-Rawad Hill, Al-Jazeera University, and Firat Al-Sham Hotel. The attack was cut short by Syrian and Russian Air Force airstrikes.^{[citation needed]} On 30 January, ISIL launched an attack along the Cinema Fouad Street inside the Al-Rashidiyah District and against the Al-Haweeqa District.^{[citation needed]}

On 11 March, the Syrian Arab Army's Central Command announced their intention to lift ISIS's siege of Deir ez-Zor by capturing Palmyra and the Palmyra-Deir ez-Zor highway.^[8]

On 18 May, the Syrian Army claimed that over 200 ISIS militants had been killed after a government assault in the western district of the besieged city. However, this number is disputed by the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights who give a more conservative estimate of 50 ISIS militants killed.^[26]

Casualties

Syrian Arab Army casualties were 200 killed, of whom 48 were executed by ISIL. 110 ISIL fighters had also died, including 30 suicide bombers.^[27]

Reactions

An unnamed branch of the Syrian government condemned the "horrific massacre against the residents of Baghiliya in Deir al-Zor".^[28]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Leith Fadel (19 January 2016). "Tuesday death toll for ISIS rises over 80 in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ "ISIS launches a massive offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
^ ^a ^b "Russian Air Force pounds ISIS all over Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ ^a ^b Leith Fadel (17 January 2016). "Top ISIS commander in Deir Ezzor killed by the Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 February 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
^ "ISIS offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor fails again". Al-Masdar. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
^ Paul Antonopoulos (20 January 2016). "General Zahreddine alive in Deir Ez-Zor (Video)". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 February 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2016.
^ Syria Casualties [@SyriaCasualties] (21 January 2017). "#DeirEzzor: General Yasar Ali killed by #ISIS in Deir ez-Zor: via @Malcolmite (679)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^ ^a ^b Fadel, Leith. Syrian Army, Hezbollah plan to liberate Deir Ezzor after Palmyra Archived 19 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Al-Masdar News. 12 March 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c "About 440 killed and executed during the past 5 days in Der-Ezzor". Retrieved 21 January 2016.
^ "Islamic State abducts 400 civilians in Syria, monitor says". SMH. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
^ "At least 300 killed in Islamic State 'massacre' in Syrian city, state media says". Fox News. 17 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city
^ ^a ^b ^c "Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city - monitor and a source". Reuters. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Syria conflict: Conflicting accounts of Deir al-Zour attack". BBC News. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ "Deir Ezzor: Hundreds may be dead after ISIS abductions - CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
^ ^a ^b "ISIS Captures Government-Held Ground in Eastern Syria". The New York Times. 19 January 2016.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Islamic State releases 270 civilians kidnapped in Syria's east: monitor". ABC News. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
^ "Syrian Army recaptures several sites in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ jack. "Violent Clashes continue in Der-Ezzor fronts". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ Hassan Ridha [@sayed_ridha] (20 January 2016). "#SAA recaptured Tel Kroum and is clashing with #IS on Jabal Tharda south of #DeirEzzor Airbase, reports of capturing Sa'iqa Base aren't true" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 February 2016 – via Twitter.
^ "ISIS launches new attack on the Deir Ezzor Airport". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.
^ ^a ^b "Russian air force strikes besieged Syrian city, delivers aid". Yahoo News. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
^ "IS captures new areas from troops in eastern Syria". Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
^ "Syrian Army strikes back in Deir Ezzor: Tal Barouk captured". Archived from the original on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
^ ^a ^b "Scores die in suspected Russian strikes in Syria's east". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
^ "Syrian army kills over 200 ISIS militants". Al-Masdar news agency. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
^ "Hundreds dead as ISIS makes gains in strategic Syrian city - CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
^ "'Islamic State militants kidnap 400 civilians from Syria's Deir al-Zor city'". The Economic Times.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

[tuesday-1] Leith Fadel (19 January 2016). "Tuesday death toll for ISIS rises over 80 in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[2] "ISIS launches a massive offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar. Archived from the original on 16 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2016.

[ReferenceA-3] "Russian Air Force pounds ISIS all over Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[Abu_Hamza-4] Leith Fadel (17 January 2016). "Top ISIS commander in Deir Ezzor killed by the Syrian Army". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 February 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2016.

[5] "ISIS offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor fails again". Al-Masdar. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.

[6] Paul Antonopoulos (20 January 2016). "General Zahreddine alive in Deir Ez-Zor (Video)". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 16 February 2016. Retrieved 9 February 2016.

[7] Syria Casualties [@SyriaCasualties] (21 January 2017). "#DeirEzzor: General Yasar Ali killed by #ISIS in Deir ez-Zor: via @Malcolmite (679)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

[amn-palmyra-8] Fadel, Leith. Syrian Army, Hezbollah plan to liberate Deir Ezzor after Palmyra Archived 19 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Al-Masdar News. 12 March 2016.

[shr-9] "About 440 killed and executed during the past 5 days in Der-Ezzor". Retrieved 21 January 2016.

[400civilians-10] "Islamic State abducts 400 civilians in Syria, monitor says". SMH. Retrieved 18 December 2014.

[foxnews-11] "At least 300 killed in Islamic State 'massacre' in Syrian city, state media says". Fox News. 17 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[12] Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city

[cna-13] "Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city - monitor and a source". Reuters. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[bbc-14] "Syria conflict: Conflicting accounts of Deir al-Zour attack". BBC News. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[15] "Deir Ezzor: Hundreds may be dead after ISIS abductions - CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved 19 January 2016.

[:2-16] "ISIS Captures Government-Held Ground in Eastern Syria". The New York Times. 19 January 2016.

[:0-17] "Islamic State releases 270 civilians kidnapped in Syria's east: monitor". ABC News. 20 January 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.

[Counter_attack-18] "Syrian Army recaptures several sites in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 5 April 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[auto-19] . "Violent Clashes continue in Der-Ezzor fronts". Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[auto1-20] Hassan Ridha [@sayed_ridha] (20 January 2016). "#SAA recaptured Tel Kroum and is clashing with #IS on Jabal Tharda south of #DeirEzzor Airbase, reports of capturing Sa'iqa Base aren't true" (Tweet). Retrieved 7 February 2016 – via Twitter.

[almasdarnews.com-21] "ISIS launches new attack on the Deir Ezzor Airport". Al-Masdar News. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 7 February 2016.

[:1-22] "Russian air force strikes besieged Syrian city, delivers aid". Yahoo News. Retrieved 21 January 2016.

[23] "IS captures new areas from troops in eastern Syria". Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2016.

[24] "Syrian Army strikes back in Deir Ezzor: Tal Barouk captured". Archived from the original on 24 January 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2016.

[aljazeera.com-25] "Scores die in suspected Russian strikes in Syria's east". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 24 January 2016.

[Independent-26] "Syrian army kills over 200 ISIS militants". Al-Masdar news agency. 18 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2016.

[:3-27] "Hundreds dead as ISIS makes gains in strategic Syrian city - CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved 23 January 2016.

[economictimes-28] "'Islamic State militants kidnap 400 civilians from Syria's Deir al-Zor city'". The Economic Times.^{[permanent dead link‍]}

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Short description|ISIL military operation}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
 {{Infobox military conflict
-|conflict= Deir ez-Zor offensive (January 2016)
+| conflict          = Deir ez-Zor offensive (2016)
-|partof= the [[Syrian Civil War]], [[Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–17)]] and the [[Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War]]
+| partof            = the [[Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–2017)|Battle of Deir ez-Zor]] and the [[Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war|Russian military intervention]] in the [[Syrian civil war]]
-|image= Deir ez-Zor clashes (January 2016).svg
+| image             = Deir ez-Zor clashes (January 2016).svg
-|image_size= 300px
+| image_size        = 300px
-|caption= The situation in [[Deir ez-Zor]] as of 19 January 2016 {{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|Syrian Arab Army control}}{{leftlegend|#b5b3ae|ISIS control}}
+| caption           = The situation in [[Deir ez-Zor]] as of 19 January 2016 {{leftlegend|#EDC4BE|[[Syrian Arab Army]] control}}{{leftlegend|#b5b3ae|[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] control}}
-|date= 16–21 January 2016<br>({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=1|day1=16|year1=2016|month2=1|day2=21|year2=2016}})
+| date              = 16–21 January 2016<br />({{Age in months, weeks and days|month1=1|day1=16|year1=2016|month2=1|day2=21|year2=2016}})
-|place=[[Deir ez-Zor]], [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate]], Syria
+| place             = [[Deir ez-Zor]], [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate]], Syria
+| coordinates       = {{coord|35.3333|N|40.1500|E|source:wikidata|display=inline, title}}
-|territory=
-* ISIL captures the northern suburbs of Deir Ez-zor city including Al-Bughayliyah, Ayyash<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-a-massive-offensive-in-northwestern-deir-ezzor/|title=ISIS launches a massive offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor|work=Al-Masdar|accessdate=16 January 2016}}</ref> and the Al Mari'iyah Farms<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-air-force-pounds-isis-all-over-deir-ezzor/|title=Russian Air Force pounds ISIS all over Deir Ezzor|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>
+| territory         = * ISIL captures the northern suburbs of Deir Ez-zor city including Al-Bughayliyah, Ayyash<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-a-massive-offensive-in-northwestern-deir-ezzor/|title=ISIS launches a massive offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor|work=Al-Masdar|access-date=16 January 2016|archive-date=16 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116185444/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-a-massive-offensive-in-northwestern-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Al Mari'iyah Farms<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-air-force-pounds-isis-all-over-deir-ezzor/|title=Russian Air Force pounds ISIS all over Deir Ezzor|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203171857/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-air-force-pounds-isis-all-over-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-|result= ISIL victory
+| result            = ISIL victory
-|combatant1={{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} '''[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
+| combatant1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} '''[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
-|combatant2={{flagicon image|Flag_of_Syria.svg}} '''[[Syrian Arab Republic]]'''
+| combatant2        = {{flagicon|Syria|1980}} '''[[Syrian Arab Republic]]'''
-*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Army]]
+* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Army]]
 * {{flagicon image|Syrian Air Force Flag.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Air Force]]
-* {{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defense Forces]]<ref name="tuesday">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tuesday-death-toll-for-isis-rises-to-80-in-deir-ezzor/|title=Tuesday death toll for ISIS rises over 80 in Deir Ezzor|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 January 2016|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>
+* {{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defense Forces]]<ref name="tuesday">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tuesday-death-toll-for-isis-rises-to-80-in-deir-ezzor/|title=Tuesday death toll for ISIS rises over 80 in Deir Ezzor|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 January 2016|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128000616/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/tuesday-death-toll-for-isis-rises-to-80-in-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 * [[Al-Shaitat|Shaitat tribe]]<ref name="tuesday" />
-{{Flagicon|Russia}} {{flagicon image|Banner of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (obverse).svg}} [[Russian Armed Forces]]
+{{flagicon|Russia}} {{flagicon image|Banner of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (obverse).svg}} [[Russian Armed Forces]]
-*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Air Force of the Russian Federation.svg}} [[Russian Air Force]]
+* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Air Force of the Russian Federation.svg}} [[Russian Air Force]]
-|commander1={{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} Abu Hamza Al-Ansari<br>{{KIA}} <small>(ISIL Deir ez-Zor emir)</small><ref name="Abu Hamza">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-commander-of-deir-ezzor-killed-by-the-syrian-army/|title=Top ISIS commander in Deir Ezzor killed by the Syrian Army|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=17 January 2016|accessdate=9 February 2016}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} Abu Hadhefah Al-Maghrabi {{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-offensive-in-northwestern-deir-ezzor-fails-again/|title=ISIS offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor fails again|work=Al-Masdar|accessdate=1 February 2016}}</ref><br/><small>(ISIL field commander)</small>
+| commander1        = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]]<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} Abu Hamza Al-Ansari<br />{{KIA}} <small>(ISIL Deir ez-Zor emir)</small><ref name="Abu Hamza">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-commander-of-deir-ezzor-killed-by-the-syrian-army/|title=Top ISIS commander in Deir Ezzor killed by the Syrian Army|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=17 January 2016|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-date=16 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216011259/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-commander-of-deir-ezzor-killed-by-the-syrian-army/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.svg}} Abu Hadhefah Al-Maghrabi {{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-offensive-in-northwestern-deir-ezzor-fails-again/|title=ISIS offensive in northwestern Deir Ezzor fails again|work=Al-Masdar|access-date=1 February 2016|archive-date=31 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131215156/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-offensive-in-northwestern-deir-ezzor-fails-again/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><small>(ISIL field commander)</small>
-|commander2={{Flagicon|Syria}} Lt. General [[Ali Abdullah Ayyoub]]<br>{{Flagicon|Syria}} Maj. Gen. [[Issam Zahreddine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/general-zahreddine-alive-in-deir-ezzor-video/|title=General Zahreddine alive in Deir Ez-Zor (Video)|author=Paul Antonopoulos|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 January 2016|accessdate=9 February 2016}}</ref><br/><small>(Republican Guard commander)</small><br>{{Flagicon|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Yassin Mahmoud Hamoud {{KIA}}<ref name=General/><br/>{{Flagicon|Syria}} [[Issam Zahreddine#Personal Life|Yarob Zahreddine]] <small>(Commander in 104th Airborne Brigade)</small><br/>{{Flagicon|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Yasar Ali{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite tweet|user=SyriaCasualties|author=Syria Casualties|number=822860831331389440|date=21 January 2017|title=#DeirEzzor: General Yasar Ali killed by #ISIS in Deir ez-Zor: via @Malcolmite (679)}}</ref>
+| commander2        = {{flagicon|Syria|1980}} Lt. General [[Ali Abdullah Ayyoub]]<br />{{flagicon|Syria|1980}} Maj. Gen. [[Issam Zahreddine]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/general-zahreddine-alive-in-deir-ezzor-video/|title=General Zahreddine alive in Deir Ez-Zor (Video)|author=Paul Antonopoulos|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 January 2016|access-date=9 February 2016|archive-date=16 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216011303/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/general-zahreddine-alive-in-deir-ezzor-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br /><small>(Republican Guard commander)</small><br />{{flagicon|Syria|1980}} Brig. Gen. Yassin Mahmoud Hamoud {{KIA}}<br />{{flagicon|Syria|1980}} [[Issam Zahreddine#Personal life|Yarob Zahreddine]] <small>(Commander in 104th Airborne Brigade)</small><br />{{flagicon|Syria|1980}} Brig. Gen. Yasar Ali{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite tweet|user=SyriaCasualties|author=Syria Casualties|number=822860831331389440|date=21 January 2017|title=#DeirEzzor: General Yasar Ali killed by #ISIS in Deir ez-Zor: via @Malcolmite (679)}}</ref>
-|units2=[[File:Syrian Republican Guard SSI.svg|16px]] [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]:
+| units2            = [[File:Syrian Republican Guard SSI.svg|16px]] [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]:
-*104th Airborne Brigade<ref name="tuesday"/>
+* 104th Airborne Brigade<ref name="tuesday"/>
 {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[17th Division (Syria)|17th Reserve Division]]:
-*137th Artillery Brigade<ref name=Brigade/>
+* 137th Mechanized Brigade
+| strength1         = Up to 2,000{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
-|strength1=Up to 2,000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rt.com/news/330085-syria-russia-deir-ez-zor/|title=Russian Air Force strikes ISIS around Deir ez-Zor|work=RT International|date=25 January 2016|accessdate=25 January 2016}}</ref>
-|strength2=4,000<ref name="amn-palmyra">Fadel, Leith. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-plans-liberate-deir-ezzor-palmyra/ Syrian Army, Hezbollah plan to liberate Deir Ezzor after Palmyra]. ''Al-Masdar News''. 12 March 2016.</ref>
+| strength2         = 4,000<ref name="amn-palmyra">Fadel, Leith. [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-plans-liberate-deir-ezzor-palmyra/ Syrian Army, Hezbollah plan to liberate Deir Ezzor after Palmyra] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019233014/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-plans-liberate-deir-ezzor-palmyra/ |date=19 October 2017 }}. ''Al-Masdar News''. 12 March 2016.</ref>
-|casualties1=110+ killed<ref name="tuesday"/><ref name="shr">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43075|title=About 440 killed and executed during the past 5 days in Der-Ezzor|accessdate=21 January 2016}}</ref>
+| casualties1       = 110+ killed<ref name="tuesday"/><ref name="shr">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=43075|title=About 440 killed and executed during the past 5 days in Der-Ezzor|access-date=21 January 2016}}</ref>
-|casualties2=200 killed (48 executed)<ref name="shr"/>
+| casualties2       = 200 killed (48 executed)<ref name="shr"/>
-|casualties3=127–300 civilians killed, ~400 civilians kidnapped<ref name="400civilians">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/islamic-state-abducts-400-civilians-of-sunni-faith-following-syrian-attack-20160117-gm7u4p.html|title=Islamic State abducts 400 civilians in Syria, monitor says|work=SMH|accessdate=18 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="shr"/>
+| casualties3       = 127–300 civilians killed, ≈400 civilians kidnapped<ref name="400civilians">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/islamic-state-abducts-400-civilians-of-sunni-faith-following-syrian-attack-20160117-gm7u4p.html|title=Islamic State abducts 400 civilians in Syria, monitor says|work=SMH|access-date=18 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="shr"/>
 }}
 {{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}
-The '''Deir ez-Zor offensive (January 2016)''' was an [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] military operation, during which it took over the northern suburbs of [[Deir ez-Zor]] on 16 January 2016, and killed from 135 to 300 people, while also kidnapping about 400 others.<ref name="foxnews">{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/01/17/activists-say-isis-militants-kill-scores-in-eastern-syrian-city.html|title=At least 300 killed in Islamic State 'massacre' in Syrian city, state media says|work=Fox News|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>
+The '''Deir ez-Zor offensive (2016)''' was an [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] military operation, during which it took over the northern suburbs of [[Deir ez-Zor]] on 16 January 2016, and killed from 135 to 300 people, while also kidnapping about 400 others.<ref name="foxnews">{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/at-least-300-killed-in-islamic-state-massacre-in-syrian-city-state-media-says/|title=At least 300 killed in Islamic State 'massacre' in Syrian city, state media says|work=Fox News|date=17 January 2016 |access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref>
-==Background==
+== Background ==
-{{Further information|Syrian Civil War}}
+{{Further|Syrian Civil War}}
 In 2011, the Syrian Civil War began after an uprising against president [[Bashar al-Assad]]. The rebels took over Deir ez-Zor governorate except for about half of Deir ez-Zor city which stayed in the hands of the government. However, in 2014 the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) took over all the areas formerly held by the rebels. Since that time, ISIL have tried repeatedly to take over the remaining part of Deir ez-Zor city.
-==The offensive==
+== The offensive ==
+=== Initial assault and massacre ===
-===Initial assault and massacre===
 On 16 January 2016, [[ISIL]] militants launched an attack on [[Deir ez-Zor]]. In the initial fighting, at least 35 [[Syrian Arab Army]] soldiers and allied militia fighters were killed. The group used "six suicide bombers first and they tried to break into military positions but they failed," according to the government. The British-based [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights|SOHR]] added that the group "carried out several assaults" during the day.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0UU0TM Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city]</ref>
-After parts of the city were overrun by ISIL,<ref>{{cite web|title = LiveLeak.com - ISIS offensive has been officially repelled in Deir Ezzor|url = http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=58a_1452991570|access-date = 23 January 2016}}</ref> pro-government fighters and their families were among those attacked in the neighborhoods of Baghiliya and Ayyash. The Syrian government and state media said that 250<ref name="cna"/>-300<ref name="bbc"/> people were killed, including some by [[beheading]];<ref name="cna"/> the SOHR had differing numbers, reporting 135 fatalities,<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35337440#|title=Syria conflict: Conflicting accounts of Deir al-Zour attack|work=BBC News|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> of which 85 were civilians and 50 soldiers.<ref>{{cite news|title = Deir Ezzor: Hundreds may be dead after ISIS abductions - CNN.com|url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/18/middleeast/syria-deir-ezzor-isis/index.html|website = CNN|access-date = 19 January 2016}}</ref> {{anchor|Ayyash}}ISIL also captured an army weapons depot and seized tanks.<ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-idINKCN0UU0TO |title=Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city - monitor and a source |work=Reuters |accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> SOHR added that ISIL kidnapped about 400 civilians from families of pro-government fighters. "There is genuine fear for their lives, there is a fear that the group might execute them as it has done before in other areas."<ref name=":2" /> "Abu Hamza Al-Ansari”, a top ISIL commander in the province was killed during an ISIS offensive on Ayyash and Al-Bughayliyah by the 104th Airborne Brigade.<ref name="Abu Hamza"/>
+After parts of the city were overrun by ISIL,{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} pro-government fighters and their families were among those attacked in the neighborhoods of Baghiliya and Ayyash. The Syrian government and state media said that 250<ref name="cna"/>-300<ref name="bbc"/> people were killed, including some by [[Decapitation|beheading]];<ref name="cna"/> the SOHR had differing numbers, reporting 135 fatalities,<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35337440#|title=Syria conflict: Conflicting accounts of Deir al-Zour attack|work=BBC News|access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> of which 85 were civilians and 50 soldiers.<ref>{{cite news|title = Deir Ezzor: Hundreds may be dead after ISIS abductions - CNN.com|url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/18/middleeast/syria-deir-ezzor-isis/index.html|website = CNN|access-date = 19 January 2016}}</ref> {{anchor|Ayyash}}ISIL also captured an army weapons depot and seized tanks.<ref name="cna">{{cite web|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-idINKCN0UU0TO |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119100013/http://in.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-idINKCN0UU0TO |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2016 |title=Islamic State kills dozens in Syria's Deir al-Zor city - monitor and a source |work=Reuters |access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> SOHR added that ISIL kidnapped about 400 civilians from families of pro-government fighters. "There is genuine fear for their lives, there is a fear that the group might execute them as it has done before in other areas."<ref name=":2" /> "Abu Hamza Al-Ansari”, a top ISIL commander in the province, was killed during an ISIS offensive on Ayyash and Al-Bughayliyah by the 104th Airborne Brigade.<ref name="Abu Hamza"/>
 ISIL forces continued to advance on areas held by the Syrian Government north west of Deir ez-Zor City, taking areas south and west of Baghiliya.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/19/world/middleeast/isis-islamic-state-eastern-syria.html|title=ISIS Captures Government-Held Ground in Eastern Syria|date=19 January 2016|work=The New York Times}}</ref>
-===Attempted counterattack===
+=== Attempted counterattack ===
-Counter-strikes by [[Russian Air Force]] fighter jets, in support of Syrian army forces, were reported<ref name="bbc"/> to take back the areas. Around 60 ISIL fighters were killed in airstrikes, according to the Russian defense ministry.<ref>{{cite web|title = Russia kills 60 militants in Deir ez-Zor, where ISIS massacred hundreds of civilians|url = https://www.rt.com/news/329446-syria-isis-deir-airstrikes/|website = RT International|access-date = 19 January 2016|language = en-EN}}</ref>
+Counter-strikes by [[Russian Air Force]] fighter jets, in support of Syrian army forces, were reported<ref name="bbc"/> to take back the areas. Around 60 ISIL fighters were killed in airstrikes, according to the Russian defense ministry.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}
-On 19 January, ISIL launched a new offensive against government territory, taking advantage of a dust storm that all but grounded Russian warplanes.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title = Islamic State releases 270 civilians kidnapped in Syria's east: monitor|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-20/is-releases-civilians-kidnapped-in-deir-ezzor-monitor-says/7103054|website = ABC News|access-date = 20 January 2016|language = en-AU}}</ref> Over 80 ISIS fighters were killed while battling government forces in the Al-Baghayliyah District. 75-82 government soldiers (11 of them from the NDF) and 12 pro-government Shaytat tribesmen also died.<ref name="tuesday"/> On the next day, a pro-government source claimed government forces recaptured the Saiqa Camp, the Tal Kroum hilltop and the Ayyash weapons depot.<ref name="Counter_attack">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-recaptures-several-sites-in-deir-ezzor/|title=Syrian Army recaptures several sites in Deir Ezzor|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> {{anchor|Saiqa Camp}}However, subsequent reports confirmed they were still ISIL-held.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42975|title=Violent Clashes continue in Der-Ezzor fronts|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=689869936051662848|date=20 January 2016|title=#SAA recaptured Tel Kroum and is clashing with #IS on Jabal Tharda south of #DeirEzzor Airbase, reports of capturing Sa'iqa Base aren't true|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref>  {{anchor|Missile Battalion}}Later on 20 January, the Al-Baghaliyeh district also fell to ISIL<ref name=":0"/> and the jihadists took the Missile Battalion Base, south of Deir Ezzor,<ref name="almasdarnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-new-attack-on-the-deir-ezzor-airport/|title=ISIS launches new attack on the Deir Ezzor Airport|work=Al-Masdar News|accessdate=7 February 2016}}</ref> and the Al Mari'iyah farms.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Earlier in the day, a Russian air force operation delivered 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid to civilians in Al-Baghaliyeh.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title = Russian air force strikes besieged Syrian city, delivers aid|url = https://news.yahoo.com/russian-air-force-strikes-besieged-syrian-city-delivers-165822738.html|website = Yahoo News|access-date = 21 January 2016}}</ref> The advances left ISIL in control of at least 60% of Deir ez-Zor city. At this time, ISIL released 270 of the 400 civilians kidnapped over the weekend.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1"/>
+On 19 January, ISIL launched a new offensive against government territory, taking advantage of a dust storm that all but grounded Russian warplanes.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|title = Islamic State releases 270 civilians kidnapped in Syria's east: monitor|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-20/is-releases-civilians-kidnapped-in-deir-ezzor-monitor-says/7103054|website = ABC News| date=20 January 2016 |access-date = 20 January 2016|language = en-AU}}</ref> Over 80 ISIS fighters were killed while battling government forces in the Al-Baghayliyah District. 75-82 government soldiers (11 of them from the NDF) and 12 pro-government Shaytat tribesmen also died.<ref name="tuesday"/> On the next day, a pro-government source claimed government forces recaptured the Saiqa Camp, the Tal Kroum hilltop and the Ayyash weapons depot.<ref name="Counter_attack">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-recaptures-several-sites-in-deir-ezzor/|title=Syrian Army recaptures several sites in Deir Ezzor|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=5 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405214835/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-recaptures-several-sites-in-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{anchor|Saiqa Camp}}However, subsequent reports confirmed they were still ISIL-held.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=42975|title=Violent Clashes continue in Der-Ezzor fronts|author=jack|work=Syrian Observatory For Human Rights|access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=689869936051662848|date=20 January 2016|title=#SAA recaptured Tel Kroum and is clashing with #IS on Jabal Tharda south of #DeirEzzor Airbase, reports of capturing Sa'iqa Base aren't true|access-date=7 February 2016}}</ref> {{anchor|Missile Battalion}}Later on 20 January, the Al-Baghaliyeh district also fell to ISIL<ref name=":0"/> and the jihadists took the Missile Battalion Base, south of Deir Ezzor,<ref name="almasdarnews.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-new-attack-on-the-deir-ezzor-airport/|title=ISIS launches new attack on the Deir Ezzor Airport|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203165407/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-launches-new-attack-on-the-deir-ezzor-airport/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Al Mari'iyah farms.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Earlier in the day, a Russian air force operation delivered 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid to civilians in Al-Baghaliyeh.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title = Russian air force strikes besieged Syrian city, delivers aid|url = https://news.yahoo.com/russian-air-force-strikes-besieged-syrian-city-delivers-165822738.html|website = Yahoo News|access-date = 21 January 2016}}</ref> The advances left ISIL in control of at least 60% of Deir ez-Zor city. At this time, ISIL released 270 of the 400 civilians kidnapped over the weekend.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1"/>
-On 21 January, the Syrian army launched an offensive against the Baghiliya district,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leadercall.com/2016/01/is-captures-new-areas-from-troops-in-eastern-syria/|title=IS captures new areas from troops in eastern Syria|publisher=}}</ref> with 11 soldiers being killed.<ref>{{cite web|title = Syrian Army strikes back in Deir Ezzor: Tal Barouk captured|url = http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-strikes-back-in-deir-ezzor-tal-barouk-captured/|access-date = 22 January 2016}}</ref>
+On 21 January, the Syrian army launched an offensive against the Baghiliya district,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leadercall.com/2016/01/is-captures-new-areas-from-troops-in-eastern-syria/|title=IS captures new areas from troops in eastern Syria|access-date=22 January 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502004305/http://leadercall.com/2016/01/is-captures-new-areas-from-troops-in-eastern-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref> with 11 soldiers being killed.<ref>{{cite web|title = Syrian Army strikes back in Deir Ezzor: Tal Barouk captured|url = http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-strikes-back-in-deir-ezzor-tal-barouk-captured/|access-date = 22 January 2016|archive-date = 24 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160124224330/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-strikes-back-in-deir-ezzor-tal-barouk-captured/|url-status = dead}}</ref>
-==Aftermath==
+== Aftermath ==
+On 22 January, Russian airstrikes killed 44 in ISIL-controlled Tala'a district<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web|title = Scores die in suspected Russian strikes in Syria's east|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/scores-die-suspected-russian-strikes-syria-east-160124093110994.html|website = www.aljazeera.com|access-date = 24 January 2016}}</ref> and the following day, further airstrikes killed 63 in [[Khasham]].<ref name="aljazeera.com"/>
+On 26 January, six civilians were killed by a mortar round and a Syrian Arab Army Brigade General was killed.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
-On 22 January, Russian airstrikes killed 44 in ISIL-controlled Tala'a district<ref name="aljazeera.com">{{cite web|title = Scores die in suspected Russian strikes in Syria's east|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/01/scores-die-suspected-russian-strikes-syria-east-160124093110994.html|website = www.aljazeera.com|access-date = 24 January 2016}}</ref> and the following day, further airstrikes killed 63 in Khasam.<ref name="aljazeera.com"/>
+On 28 January, ISIL launched an offensive against Al-Baghayliyah District in order to seize the Al-Rawad Hill, Al-Jazeera University, and Firat Al-Sham Hotel. The attack was cut short by Syrian and Russian Air Force airstrikes.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} On 30 January, ISIL launched an attack along the Cinema Fouad Street inside the Al-Rashidiyah District and against the Al-Haweeqa District.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}
-On 26 January, six civilians were killed by a mortar round and a Syrian Arab Army Brigade General was killed.<ref name=General>{{cite web|title = LiveLeak.com - While you were sleeping...|url = http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=4b3_1453809065|access-date = 26 January 2016}}</ref>
+On 11 March, the Syrian Arab Army's Central Command announced their intention to lift ISIS's siege of Deir ez-Zor by capturing Palmyra and the Palmyra-Deir ez-Zor highway.<ref name="amn-palmyra" />
-On 28 January, ISIL launched an offensive against Al-Baghayliyah District in order to seize the Al-Rawad Hill, Al-Jazeera University, and Firat Al-Sham Hotel. The attack was cut short by Syrian and Russian Air Force airstrikes.<ref name=Brigade>{{cite web|title = LiveLeak.com - ISIS retreats after sustaining heavy losses in Deir Ezzor|url = http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d76_1453989061|access-date = 28 January 2016}}</ref> On 30 January, ISIL launched an attack along the Cinema Fouad Street inside the Al-Rashidiyah District and against the Al-Haweeqa District.<ref>{{cite web|title = LiveLeak.com - ISIS suffers over 60 casualties in failed Deir Ezzor offensive|url = http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=d6d_1454239547|access-date = 31 January 2016}}</ref>
+On 18 May, the Syrian Army claimed that over 200 ISIS militants had been killed after a government assault in the western district of the besieged city. However, this number is disputed by the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights who give a more conservative estimate of 50 ISIS militants killed.<ref name="Independent">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-army-kills-over-200-isis-militants-in-three-day-deir-ez-zor-offensive-a7035611.html|title=Syrian army kills over 200 ISIS militants|work=Al-Masdar news agency|date=18 May 2016 |access-date=18 May 2016}}</ref>
-On 11 March, the Syrian Arab Army’s Central Command announced their intention to lift ISIS's siege of Deir ez-Zor by capturing Palmyra and the Palmyra-Deir ez-Zor highway.<ref name="amn-palmyra" />
-On 18 May, the Syrian Army claimed that over 200 ISIS militants had been killed after a government assault in the western district of the besieged city. However, this number is disputed by the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights who give a more conservative estimate of 50 ISIS militants killed.<ref name="Independent">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syrian-army-kills-over-200-isis-militants-in-three-day-deir-ez-zor-offensive-a7035611.html|title=Syrian army kills over 200 ISIS militants|work=Al-Masdar news agency|accessdate=18 May 2016}}</ref>
 == Casualties ==
 Syrian Arab Army casualties were 200 killed, of whom 48 were executed by ISIL. 110 ISIL fighters had also died, including 30 suicide bombers.<ref name=":3">{{cite news|title = Hundreds dead as ISIS makes gains in strategic Syrian city - CNN.com|url = http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/22/world/syria-isis-deir-ezzor/index.html|website = CNN|access-date = 23 January 2016}}</ref>
-==Reactions==
+== Reactions ==
-An unnamed branch of the Syrian government condemned the "horrific massacre against the residents of Baghiliya in Deir al-Zor".<ref name = economictimes>{{cite web|title = 'Islamic State militants kidnap 400 civilians from Syria's Deir al-Zor city'|url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/50612919.cms|website = The Economic Times}}</ref>
+An unnamed branch of the Syrian government condemned the "horrific massacre against the residents of Baghiliya in Deir al-Zor".<ref name = economictimes>{{cite web|title = 'Islamic State militants kidnap 400 civilians from Syria's Deir al-Zor city'|url = http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/50612919.cms|website = The Economic Times}}{{dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref>
-==See also==
+== See also ==
+{{Portal|Asia}}
-{{portal|Syrian Civil War|Syria}}
-* [[Deir ez-Zor clashes (disambiguation)]]
+* [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate campaign]]
+* [[List of massacres during the Syrian Civil War]]
 * [[List of wars and battles involving ISIL]]
-* [[List of massacres during the Syrian Civil War]]
-==References==
+== References ==
-{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
+{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}
 {{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}
 {{Syrian Civil War}}
+{{DEFAULTSORT:Deir ez-Zor offensive (2016)}}
-{{coord|35.3333|N|40.1500|E|source:wikidata|display=title}}
+[[Category:Deir ez-Zor in the Syrian civil war]]
+[[Category:January 2016 events in Syria]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving the Syrian government]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War involving Russia]]
-[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian Civil War in 2016]]
-[[Category:Massacres of the Syrian Civil War perpetrated by ISIL]]
-[[Category:Massacres of the Syrian Civil War in 2016]]
-[[Category:January 2016 events in Asia]]
-[[Category:Deir ez-Zor]]
 [[Category:Mass murder in 2016]]
-[[Category:Deir ez-Zor Governorate in the Syrian Civil War]]
+[[Category:Massacres of the Syrian civil war in 2016]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2016]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
+[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government]]
+[[Category:Massacres of the Syrian civil war perpetrated by ISIL]]