Examine individual changes

'{{short description|Military operation of the Syrian Army}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}} {{Infobox military conflict | conflict = Syrian Desert campaign (May–July 2017) | width = 420px | partof = the [[Syrian Civil War]] and the [[Russian military intervention in Syria]] | image = SyrianDesert2.svg | image_size = 320px | caption = {{plainlist| *{{leftlegend|#db4141|Controlled by the [[Syrian Arab Republic|Syrian government]]}} *{{leftlegend|#cae7c4|Controlled by the [[Syrian opposition]]}} *{{leftlegend|#cc829b|Controlled by the [[Federal government of Iraq|Iraqi government]]}} *{{leftlegend|#b3b2ae|Controlled by the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]}}}} | date = 7 May – 13 July 2017<br/>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=05|day1=07|year1=2017|month2=07|day2=13|year2=2017}}) | place = [[Syrian Desert]], [[Syria]] * South, eastern and central [[Homs Governorate]]<ref name="syriahr2"/> * Eastern [[as-Suwayda Governorate]]<ref name="chunk"/> * South and eastern [[Rif Dimashq Governorate]] | territory = | result = | status = Decisive [[Syrian Arab Army|Syrian Army]] and allies victory *In late May, Syrian Army captured over 20,000 sq km of territory,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/col-taarruzu-suriye-ordusu-20-000-kilometrekare-alani-kontrol-altina-aldi/|title=Çöl taarruzu: Suriye ordusu, +20.000 kilometrekare alanı kontrol altına aldı|date=10 June 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=10 June 2017|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302030150/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/col-taarruzu-suriye-ordusu-20-000-kilometrekare-alani-kontrol-altina-aldi/|url-status=dead}}</ref> including the [[Damascus]]–[[Palmyra]] highway<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-roads-damascus-palmyra-video/|title=Syrian Army liberates roads between Damascus, Palmyra: video|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=26 May 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=27 May 2017|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302030137/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-roads-damascus-palmyra-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a large part of the eastern half of [[as-Suwayda Governorate|As-Suwayda province]]<ref name="chunk"/> *Syrian Army secured part of [[Iraq–Syria border|Syrian-Iraqi border]] for the first time since 2015, at the same time erasing the frontline between US-backed forces and ISIL *Syrian Army approaches and enters the province of [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate]] from the south, cutting the [[Al-Qa'im (town)|Al-Qaim]]-[[Al-Sukhnah, Syria|Al-Sukhnah]] road{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} *By mid-July, Syrian Army captured 3,000 sq km of territory from the FSA in the north-eastern part [[as-Suwayda Governorate|As-Suwayda province]] and southern [[Rif Dimashq Governorate|Rif Dimashq province]]<ref name="blitz"/> | combatant1 = {{nowrap|{{flagicon|Syria}} [[Syrian Arab Republic]]}} * {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]] * Pro-gov. militias<ref name="chunk">{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-lose-large-chunk-territory-syrian-army-east-sweida/|title=US-backed rebels lose large chunk of territory to Syrian Army in east Sweida|last=Fadel|first=Leith|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=20 May 2017|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002033259/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-lose-large-chunk-territory-syrian-army-east-sweida/|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{flagicon image|Flag of Russia.svg}} [[Russia]]<ref name="russian">{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-forces-arrive-southern-syria/|title=Russian forces arrive in southern Syria|last=Fadel|first=Leith|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=21 May 2017|access-date=22 May 2017|archive-date=30 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530204756/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/russian-forces-arrive-southern-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br/>{{flag|Iran}}<ref name="test">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/06/iran-tests-the-us-in-southeastern-syria.php|title=Iran tests the US in southeastern Syria|author1=Amir Toumaj|author2=Caleb Weiss|work=[[Long War Journal]]|date=3 June 2017|access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref><br/>''Allied militias:''<br/>{{Flagicon image|Shiism arabic blue.svg}} [[Popular Mobilization Forces|PMF]]-affiliated militias<ref name="poised">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/hezbollah-iraqi-forces-poised-help-syrian-army-capture-baghdad-damascus-highway/|title=Hezbollah, Iraqi forces poised to help Syrian Army capture Baghdad-Damascus Highway|author=Leith Fadel|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=21 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017|archive-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828132042/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/hezbollah-iraqi-forces-poised-help-syrian-army-capture-baghdad-damascus-highway/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br/>{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} [[Hezbollah]]<ref name="pour">{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-syrian-army-reinforcements-pour-syrian-desert-despite-us-airstrikes/|title=In pictures: Syrian Army reinforcements pour into the Syrian desert despite US airstrikes|last=Tomson|first=Chris|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=19 May 2017|access-date=20 May 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920220002/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-syrian-army-reinforcements-pour-syrian-desert-despite-us-airstrikes/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br/> {{flagicon image|Liwa Fatemiyoun infobox flag.png}}[[Liwa Fatemiyoun]]<ref name="afghan">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/06/afghan-fatemiyoun-division-operative-killed-near-us-base-in-southeastern-syria.php|title=Afghan Fatemiyoun Division operative killed near US base in southeastern Syria|author=Amir Toumaj|work=[[Long War Journal]]|date=7 June 2017|access-date=9 June 2017}}</ref><br/>'''Supported by:'''<br/>{{flag|UAE}}<ref name="uae egypt">{{cite web|url=http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/7256|title=Gulf state's support for the Russian military campaign against Syria, leaked document from the Air Force confirms|date=11 July 2018|access-date=5 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215213055/http://nedaa-sy.com/en/news/7256|archive-date=13 July 2018}}</ref><br/>{{flag|Egypt}}<ref name="uae egypt" /> | combatant2 = {{nowrap|{{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]]}}<br/>'''Supported by:'''<br/>{{flag|United States}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-syria-talks-constitutional-issues-begin-47484568|title=The Latest: US: Pro-Syrian forces hit in strike posed threat|first=ABC|last=News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Manson |first=Katrina |date=2017-05-18 |title=US strikes pro-Assad regime convoy in southern Syria |url=https://www.ft.com/content/76fe4c09-94c6-3dd6-bf56-b3f7ff549abd |access-date=2022-12-14 |website=Financial Times}}</ref><br/>{{flag|Jordan}}<br/>{{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref name="test" /><br/>{{flag|Norway}}<ref name="test" /> | combatant3 = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] <small>(since 23 May)</small> | commander1 = {{flagicon|Iran}} Maj. Gen. [[Qasem Soleimani]]<ref name="soleimani">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/06/qassem-soleimani-spotted-in-syria-near-the-iraqi-border.php|title=Qassem Soleimani allegedly spotted in Syria near the Iraqi border|author=Amir Toumaj|work=[[Long War Journal]]|date=14 June 2017|access-date=15 June 2017}}</ref><br/>{{small|([[Quds Force]] chief commander)}}<br/>{{flagicon|Syria}} Mowafiq As'ad<ref name="eastern commander">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-names-new-commander-eastern-provinces/|title=Syrian military names new commander in eastern provinces|author=Leith Fadel|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=28 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=4 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104201326/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-military-names-new-commander-eastern-provinces/|url-status=dead}}</ref><br/>{{small|(Chief of staff for eastern Syria until 28 June)}}<br/>{{flagicon|Syria}} Brig. Gen. Rafiq Shahadeh<ref name="eastern commander" /><br/>{{small|(Chief of staff for eastern Syria from 28 June)}}<br/>{{flagicon|Syria}} Maj. Gen. Fuad Khaddour{{KIA}}<ref name="top army">{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/27445.html|title=ISIS kills top army commander in Syrian desert|publisher=Zaman al-Wasl|date=26 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017}}</ref><br/>{{small|(Syrian Army top commander)}}<br/>{{flagdeco|Syria}} Turki Albu Hamad<ref name="Muqatili">{{cite web|url=http://www.aymennjawad.org/19789/quwat-muqatili-al-ashair-tribal-auxiliary-forces |title=Quwat Muqatili al-Asha'ir: Tribal Auxiliary Forces of the Military Intelligence |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |date=2 April 2017|access-date=13 February 2019}}</ref><br/>{{small|(Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes)}}<br/>{{flagicon image|}} Mohammad Hosseini "Salman"{{KIA}}<ref name="afghan"/><br/>{{small|(Hazrat-e Fatemeh Zahra Brigade intelligence chief)}} | commander2 = {{Flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Tlas Salama<ref name=tlas>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1851KY|title=Syrian planes strike rebel outposts near Jordanian border|last=Al-Khalidi|first=Suleiman|date=9 May 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref><br/>({{small|Lions of the East Army commander}})<br/> {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Lt. Col. Muhannad Tala<ref name=base>{{Cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/06/syria-desert-tanf-us-backed-rebel-group.html|title=Syrian rebel commander: 150 US troops at al-Tanf base|work=[[Al-Monitor]]|author=Muhammad Ersan|date=1 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612084048/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/06/syria-desert-tanf-us-backed-rebel-group.html|archive-date=12 June 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br/> ({{small|Revolutionary Commando Army commander}}) | commander3 = Unknown | units1 = {{Flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces.svg}} Syrian Armed Forces * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[Syrian Army]]<ref name="assad army">{{cite news|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/26145.html|title=Assad army deploys troops near the borderline with Jordan, Iraq|work=Zaman al-Wasl|date=14 May 2017|access-date=21 May 2017}}</ref><ref name="setback">{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-suffer-major-setback-syrian-army-troops-capture-much-eastern-sweida/|title=US-backed rebels suffer major setback as Syrian Army troops capture much of eastern Sweida|last=Fadel|first=Leith|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=18 May 2017|access-date=18 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920150825/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-suffer-major-setback-syrian-army-troops-capture-much-eastern-sweida/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ** [[3rd Armoured Division (Syria)|3rd Division]] *** [[File:Qalamoun Shield Forces infobox logo.png|16px]] [[Qalamoun Shield Forces]] ** [[4th Armoured Division (Syria)|4th Division]] ** [[5th Armoured Division (Syria)|5th Division]] ** [[7th Infantry Division (Syria)|7th Division]] ** [[15th Special Forces Division]] ** 5th Corps * {{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defence Forces]]<ref name="reinforcements"/> * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Air Force.svg}} [[Syrian Arab Air Force]] {{flagicon|Syria}} Syrian pro-government militias *[[File:Emblem of the Palestine Liberation Army.svg|19px]] [[Palestine Liberation Army]]<ref name="partaking">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-pro-syria-palestinian-troops-partaking-huge-badia-offensive/|title=In pictures: Pro-Syria Palestinian troops partaking in huge Badia offensive|date=11 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920193653/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-pro-syria-palestinian-troops-partaking-huge-badia-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ** 413th Battalion<ref name="partaking"/> *{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party.svg}} [[Syrian Social Nationalist Party|SSNP]]<ref name="pour" /> * [[File:Emblem of Liwa Al-Quds.svg|18px]] [[Liwa al-Quds]]<ref name="quds">{{cite web|url=https://en.zamanalwsl.net/news/27483.html|title=Liwa al Quds mourns 17 militants killed by ISIS in Palmyra|publisher=Zaman al-Wasl|date=27 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017}}</ref> * [[Baqir Brigade]]<ref name="soleimani" /> * [[Forces of the Fighters of the Tribes]]<ref name="Muqatili"/> * Saraya al-Areen<ref name="chunk" /> * Jaafariyah Force<ref name="outpacing">{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/iran-is-outpacing-assad-for-control-of-syrias-shia-militias |title= Iran Is Outpacing Assad for Control of Syria's Shia Militias |author=Phillip Smyth |work=Washington Institute |date=12 April 2018 |access-date=15 April 2019}}</ref> ** Sayyida al Raqqia Brigade<ref name="test" /><ref name="outpacing"/> * al-Mukhtar al-Thiqfi Brigade<ref name="outpacing"/> {{flagicon image|Shiism arabic blue.svg}} [[Popular Mobilization Forces|PMF]]-affiliated Iraqi militias * [[Kata'ib al-Imam Ali]]<ref name="reinforcements"/> * [[Kata'ib Hezbollah]]<ref name="reinforcements"/> * [[Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada]]<ref name="test" /> * [[Liwa Abu al-Fadhal al-Abbas]]<ref name="test" /> * [[Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba]]<ref name="soleimani" /> * [[Liwa Assad Allah al-Ghalib fi al-Iraq wa al-Sham|LAAG]]<ref name="who leads">{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/story/12043/Who-leads-operates-Iran-militias-in-al-Tanf |title=Who leads, operates Iran militias in al-Tanf? |author=Mostapha Hassan |work=Baghdad Post|date=13 June 2017|access-date=23 September 2017}}</ref> * Harakat al Abdal<ref name="test" /> * Iraqi Liberation Movement<ref name="bringing">{{cite news|url=http://en.eldorar.com/node/5677|title=Assad regime bringing in new Iraqi militias|work=El-Dorar Al-Shamia|date=12 May 2017|access-date=15 May 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826095055/http://en.eldorar.com/node/5677|archive-date=26 August 2017|df=dmy-all}}</ref> * Force 313<ref name="bringing" /> * Ansar Allah al Awfiya in Iraq and Syria<ref name="soleimani" /> * Jihad Companies<ref name="soleimani" /> * Liwa'a Zulfiqar<ref name="who leads" /> {{flagicon image|}} Liwa Fatemiyoun * Hazrat-e Fatemeh Zahra Brigade<ref name="afghan"/> {{flagicon image|Banner of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (obverse).svg}} [[Russian Armed Forces]] and affiliated units * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Air Force.svg}} [[Russian Aerospace Forces]] * {{flagicon image|Герб ССО.png|border=no}} [[Special Operations Forces (Russia)|Special operations forces]]<ref name="russian" /> * {{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Airborne Troops.svg}} [[Russian Airborne Troops]] ** [[31st Guards Air Assault Brigade]] <small>(allegedly)</small><ref name="russian" /><ref>[https://www.vz.ru/news/2017/5/26/871986.html СМИ: Элитные отряды сирийской армии и российские морпехи переброшены на восток Хамы] [[Vzglyad (newspaper)]], 26 May 2017.</ref> * {{flagicon image|Flag of Norway.svg}} "Thorbrandr" {{small|([[Scandinavia]]n volunteers)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aldrimer.no/nordmenn-kjempet-pa-russisk-side-i-syria/ |title=Nordmenn kjempet på russisk side i Syria |trans-title=Norwegians fought in Syria on the Russian side |author=Kjetil Stormark |work=AldriMer.no |language=no |date=11 May 2018 |access-date=16 May 2018}}</ref> | units2 = {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} [[Free Syrian Army]] *{{flagicon image|Logo of the Southern Front.png|border=no}} [[Southern Front (Syrian rebel group)|Southern Front]] **[[Lions of the East Army]]<ref name=tlas/> **[[Forces of Martyr Ahmad al-Abdo]]<ref name="instead isis">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-us-backed-rebels-divert-resources-fighting-syrian-army-instead-isis/|title=VIDEO: US-backed rebels divert all resources to fighting the Syrian Army instead of ISIS|author=Chris Tomson|publisher=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=26 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920221359/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-us-backed-rebels-divert-resources-fighting-syrian-army-instead-isis/|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{better source|al-Masdar is not reliable for rebel formations|date=May 2023}} *[[Army of Free Tribes]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.omrandirasat.org/images/M.C.E.UN.P/Territorial%20Control%20Map%20-%20Sham%20Desert%20-%2005%20Jan%202017.pdf|title=Territorial Control Map – Sham Desert|work=Omran Dirasat|date=4 January 2017}}</ref> *[[Revolutionary Commando Army]]<ref name=base /> *Al-Qaratayn Martyrs Brigade | units3 = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Military of ISIL]] * Wilayat Homs | strength1 = 50,000 <small>(pro-government claim)</small><ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/republican-guard-reinforcements-arrive-palmyra-aid-deir-ezzor-liberation-offensive/ Republican Guard reinforcements arrive in Palmyra to aid Deir Ezzor liberation offensive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805224454/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/republican-guard-reinforcements-arrive-palmyra-aid-deir-ezzor-liberation-offensive/ |date=5 August 2017 }}, ''[[Al-Masdar News]]''</ref> *{{flagicon image|Shiism arabic blue.svg}}{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} 3,000+<ref name="test" /> | strength2 = {{flagicon|Syrian opposition}} Revolutionary Commando Army: "Hundreds"<ref name=base /><br/>{{flagicon|United States}} 150 US troops,<ref name=base/> 1 [[HIMARS]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/13/politics/us-artillery-system-southern-syria/index.html|title=Exclusive: US deploys long-range artillery system to southern Syria for first time|author=Ryan Browne|work=[[CNN]]|date=13 June 2017|access-date=15 June 2017}}</ref> | strength3 = Unknown | casualties1 = | casualties2 = | casualties3 = | notes = | campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}} }} The '''Syrian Desert campaign (May–July 2017)''' was a large-scale [[military operation]] of the [[Syrian Army]] that initially started along the highway from [[Damascus]] to the border with [[Iraq]] against [[Syrian opposition|rebel forces]] during the [[Syrian Civil War]]. Its first intended goal was to capture both the highway and the [[Al Waleed border crossing|al-Tanf border crossing]], thus securing the Damascus countryside from a potential rebel attack.<ref name="focus"/><ref name="important"/> Later, multiple other fronts were opened as part of the operation throughout the desert, as well as operation "'''Grand Dawn'''" against [[ISIL]] with the aim of reopening the Damascus-Palmyra highway and preparing for an offensive towards [[Deir ez-Zor]].<ref name="fronts">{{cite web|url=https://smmsyria.wordpress.com/2017/05/24/saa-opens-six-fronts-in-badiyeh-region-to-face-terrorists/|title=SAA Opens Six Fronts in Badiyeh Region to Face Terrorists|date=24 May 2017|publisher=smmsyria.wordpress blog|access-date=27 May 2017}}</ref> Since 2016, the [[United States]] and the [[United Kingdom]] operated and manned a training facility in [[al-Tanf]] (the "Al Tanf Garrison"), with their special operations troops advising a Syrian rebel group known as the [[Revolutionary Commando Army]].<ref name="cnntanf">[http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/06/politics/us-led-coalition-strike-pro-syrian-regime-forces/ US-led coalition strikes pro-Syrian regime forces] CNN, 6 June 2017.</ref><ref name="cbstanf" /> The garrison was reinforced in May, and then expanded in June 2017, with more advanced U.S. offensive weapons, including the [[HIMARS]] [[multiple rocket launcher]]s.<ref>[http://gulfnews.com/news/mena/syria/coalition-forces-reinforce-at-key-al-tanf-garrison-in-syria-1.2037146 Coalition forces reinforce at key Al Tanf garrison in Syria] Gulf News, 2 June 2017.</ref><ref name="cnndeploys">[http://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/13/politics/us-artillery-system-southern-syria/index.html Exclusive: US deploys long-range artillery system to southern Syria for first time] CNN, 13 June 2016.</ref><ref>[http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-tanf-idUKKBN1952C8?il=0 U.S. moves long-range rocket launchers into southern Syria, intelligence sources say] Reuters, 14 June 2017.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-exclusive-idUSKBN1951YX|title=Exclusive: U.S. expands presence in Syrian desert, rebels say|date=14 June 2017|newspaper=Reuters|last1=Al-Khalidi|first1=Suleiman}}</ref> On a number of occasions, U.S. forces struck advancing pro-government troops and militia in what U.S. forces dubbed ″self-defense strikes″.<ref name="cnndeploys" /> ==Background== {{Main|Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017)}} In the months prior to the offensive, the rebel [[Free Syrian Army]] (FSA) [[2017 Southern Syrian Desert campaign|waged a campaign]] against the jihadist [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL) in the desert border region known as the [[Badia (region)|Badia]], which ended with ISIL being fully expelled from the southern Syrian desert. This also brought the rebels closer to the southeastern countryside of [[Damascus]] and government-held territory. ==The offensive== ===Advance along the Baghdad–Damascus highway=== On 7 May 2017, the [[Syrian Arab Army]], led by the [[Syrian Army#5th Corps|5th Corps]] and Iranian-backed militias, launched an attack on the FSA in the [[Sabaa Biyar]] area of Homs province.<ref>[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/syria-army-moves-area-rebels-evicted-isil-170515043533965.html Syria army 'moves into area' where rebels evicted ISIL], Al-Jazeera, 15 May 2017</ref><ref name="important">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-important-operation-prevent-us-jordanian-troops-entering-damascus/|author=Leith Fadel|publisher=almasdarnews.com|title=Syrian Army begins important operation to prevent US-Jordanian troops from entering Damascus|date=7 May 2017|access-date=10 May 2017|archive-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123173259/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-important-operation-prevent-us-jordanian-troops-entering-damascus/|url-status=dead}}</ref> By the following day, the SAA had advanced some 45 kilometers<ref name="focus">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article149433474.html|publisher=miamiherald.com|title=Syrian troops shift focus to IS-held east &#124; Miami Herald|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> and captured several sites east of the Al-Seen Airbase in the advance, including: the Zaza Checkpoint, the Sabihiyah Mountains and the Sabaa Biyar area. The advance gave them fire control over this rural region.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-jordanian-military-presence-growing-southern-syria-amid-new-government-offensive/|title=US, Jordanian military presence growing in southern Syria amid new government offensive|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=8 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=9 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422212048/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-jordanian-military-presence-growing-southern-syria-amid-new-government-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="stepagency-sy">{{cite web|url=http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/144951|publisher=stepagency-sy.net|title=معركة جديدة لميليشيات الأسد للاستيلاء على مواقع المعارضة بالقلمون الشرقي &#124; Step News Agency|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> The FSA began a counteroffensive on 9 May,<ref name="syriahr">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=66085|publisher=syriahr.com|title=Attack by Usoud al-Sharqiyyah in the Syria desert between Homs and al-Qalamoun in an attempt to advance|access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> with the intended goal of recapturing these areas as well as the large mountains overlooking the Baghdad-Damascus road.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fsa-launches-large-counter-offensive-southeast-damascus/|title=FSA launches large counter-offensive in southeast Damascus|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=9 May 2017|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=9 May 2017|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927021943/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fsa-launches-large-counter-offensive-southeast-damascus/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The commander of the [[Lions of the East Army]], Tlas al-Salama, said that Syrian warplanes had struck rebel outposts near the Syrian-Jordanian border after which his group fired missiles towards Khalhala airport.<ref name=tlas/> At the end of the day, the rebels recaptured the Zaza checkpoint, but failed to re-enter the Sabaa Biyar area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fsas-makes-little-advance-launching-big-counter-offensive-southeast-damascus/|title=FSA's makes little advance after launching big counter-offensive in southeast Damascus|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=10 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=10 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=26 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926174709/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fsas-makes-little-advance-launching-big-counter-offensive-southeast-damascus/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 10 May, clashes renewed in the Zaza area<ref name="syriahr2">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=66168|publisher=syriahr.com|title=The factions continue their offensive for the second day in the southeastern desert of Homs|date=10 May 2017 |access-date=10 May 2017}}</ref> and two days later the Army recaptured the Zaza checkpoint, as well as the Sabihiyah Mountains.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-resumes-offensive-seal-iraqi-border/|title=Syrian Army resumes offensive to seal Iraqi border|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 May 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=12 May 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920121758/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-resumes-offensive-seal-iraqi-border/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In an attempt to counter the Army's advances, the rebels fired dozens of [[BM-21 Grad|'Grad']] rockets on Army positions. In retaliation, the Syrian Air Force hit FSA convoys and their rearguard headquarters at the [[Al Waleed border crossing|al-Tanf border crossing]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-us-backed-rebels-launch-grad-rockets-syrian-army-positions-east-damascus/|title=VIDEO: US-backed rebels launch GRAD rockets on Syrian Army positions east of Damascus|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=13 May 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=13 May 2017|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921005548/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-us-backed-rebels-launch-grad-rockets-syrian-army-positions-east-damascus/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and on 12 May Iraqi Shi'ite militias launched an offensive from the east to drive the militants from the desert region.<ref name="toward">{{cite news|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKCN18B01D-OCATP|title=Syrian army sends reinforcements toward border with Iraq: rebels |first=Suleiman|last=Al-Khalidi|website=Reuters|date=15 May 2017 }}</ref> In the night between 14 and 15 May, pro-government reinforcements arrived in the area, including Iraqi Shiite militias.<ref name="reinforcements">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/|title=Syrian government, Iraqi reinforcements reach southeast Damascus for upcoming offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=15 May 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-date=10 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510162444/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-iraqi-reinforcements-reach-southeast-damascus-upcoming-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="bringing"/><ref name="toward"/> The reinforcements concentrated in the town of Biyar Al-Saba.<ref name="toward"/> More Army tanks, as well as surface-to-air missiles, were brought closer to the frontline.<ref name="special">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/05/15/syrian-troops-advancing-towards-us-british-special-forces/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_tw|title=Syrian troops advancing towards U.S. and British special forces|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=15 May 2017|last1=Ensor|first1=Josie|last2=Safwan|first2=Luna}}</ref> By this point, government forces were within 24 and 100 kilometers of [[Al Waleed border crossing|al-Tanf]].<ref name="special"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-prepares-seize-jordanian-iraqi-borders/|title=Syrian Army prepares to seize the Jordanian and Iraqi borders|author=Izat Charkatli|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=15 May 2017|access-date=17 May 2017|archive-date=21 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421205155/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-prepares-seize-jordanian-iraqi-borders/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, U.S. and British special forces had arrived at the border crossing<ref name="special"/> to assist the rebels in their ongoing offensive towards ISIL-held Deir ez-Zor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/32040/2/|title=MINA Breaking News|website=macedoniaonline.eu|access-date=15 May 2017|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803212302/http://macedoniaonline.eu/content/view/32040/2/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 18 May, National Defense Forces, alongside the 5th and 7th Armored Divisions of the Syrian Army, advanced 35 kilometers into rebel-held areas in eastern [[As-Suwayda Governorate]].<ref name="setback"/> Meanwhile, government forces were probing to determine how near they could get to al-Tanf and reached positions about 27 kilometers from the town,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-usa-idUKKCN18E2JE|title=U.S. strikes Syria militia threatening U.S.-backed forces - officials|first=Phil Stewart and Suleiman|last=Al-Khalidi|access-date=22 May 2017}}</ref> when the lead portion of their advancing convoy was hit by US-led Coalition air-strikes. According to a U.S. defense official, before the strikes were conducted, government troops were warned they were getting too close to Coalition forces garrisoned in al-Tanf but did not respond.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2017/05/18/US-led-Coalition-strikes-pro-regime-convoy-in-Syria-near-Jordan.html|title=US-led coalition strikes pro-regime convoy in Syria near Jordan|date=18 May 2017 }}</ref> According to the U.S., four or five vehicles were destroyed, including a tank<ref name="rare">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-launches-rare-intentional-strike-on-pro-government-forces-in-syria/2017/05/18/9e4e2830-3bf0-11e7-8854-21f359183e8c_story.html|title=U.S. launches rare intentional strike on pro-government forces in Syria|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]}}</ref> and two bulldozers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/05/18/united-states-official-airstrike-syria/101835198/|title=Military official: U.S. airstrike hits pro-regime forces in Syria|website=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> In contrast, the Syrian Army reported that two tanks were destroyed and a [[ZSU-23-4|Shilka]] [[self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon|SPAAG]] was damaged.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/details-us-attack-syrian-military-southern-syria/|title=Details of U.S. attack on Syrian military in southern Syria|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=18 May 2017|publisher=[[Al-Masdar News]]}}</ref><ref>Scott Lucas [http://eaworldview.com/2017/05/syria-developing-us-warplanes-and-rebels-hit-pro-assad-forces-in-east/ Syria Developing: US Warplanes, Supporting Rebels, Hit Pro-Assad Forces in East], 'EAWorldview'' 18 May 2017</ref> Eight soldiers were killed.<ref name="rare"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syria-us-airstrike-killed-soldiers-jordan-47506449|title=Syria says US airstrike killed several soldiers near Jordan|website=[[ABC News]]|access-date=22 May 2017}}</ref> The next day, despite the US-led Coalition's air-strikes, pro-government forces captured the Zarqa junction near al-Tanf.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2017/19-may-tanf-front-saa-hezbollah--allies-advance-reached-zarqa|title=Tanf front: SAA, Hezbollah & allies advance reached Zarqa junction so far|website=Map of Syrian Civil war/ Global conflict in Syria - Syria news - syria.liveuamap.com|access-date=22 May 2017}}</ref> The Army also sent more reinforcements to the highway.<ref name="pour"/><ref name="auto"/> Meanwhile, the pro-government Iranian-backed militias advanced southwards from the government-held eastern [[An-Nabek District|Qalamoun]] area on the 19th, taking territory from US-backed rebels in the Badia.<ref>[http://syriadirect.org/news/pro-regime-forces-advance-toward-base-in-syrian-desert-as-us-warns-%E2%80%98coalition-forces-will-defend-themselves%E2%80%99/ Pro-regime forces advance toward base in Syrian desert as US warns: Coalition will 'defend' itself] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105060909/http://syriadirect.org/news/pro-regime-forces-advance-toward-base-in-syrian-desert-as-us-warns-%E2%80%98coalition-forces-will-defend-themselves%E2%80%99/ |date=5 January 2019 }}, SyriaDirect, 22 May 2017</ref> ===Push along the Jordanian border=== On 20 May, the Syrian Army, alongside their paramilitary allies, captured part of the eastern part of [[As-Suwayda Governorate|as-Suwayda]] province, namely the [[al-Zuluf]] area.<ref name="chunk"/> The following day, government forces further advanced and captured several positions in the southern Syrian desert.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://syriadirect.org/news/pro-regime-forces-advance-toward-base-in-syrian-desert-as-us-warns-%E2%80%98coalition-forces-will-defend-themselves%E2%80%99/|title=Pro-regime forces advance toward base in Syrian desert as US warns: Coalition will 'defend' itself|website=Syria Direct|access-date=23 May 2017|archive-date=5 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105060909/http://syriadirect.org/news/pro-regime-forces-advance-toward-base-in-syrian-desert-as-us-warns-%E2%80%98coalition-forces-will-defend-themselves%E2%80%99/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In response to the government advances, FSA groups in the area launched an operation named "Badia Volcano" to fight the pro-government forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iraqinews.com/arab-world-news/syrian-opposition-launch-burkan-al-badeya-offensive/|title=Syrian opposition launch "Burkan al-Badeya" offensive|date=23 May 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aletihadpress.com/2017/05/22/%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A/|title=بركان البادية: معركة جديدة لطرد الميليشيات الشيعية|work=Al Etihad Press|date=22 May 2017|access-date=23 May 2017|archive-date=19 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019065124/http://aletihadpress.com/2017/05/22/%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%83%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%84%D9%8A/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 22 May, the Army captured the Al-Rahbeh area, 25 kilometers north of the Zuluf dam, with no direct clashes taking place, save for an artillery duel. Thus the Army was 30 kilometers from cutting off a large, sparsely populated, rebel-held area in the south-eastern Damascus countryside. Also, during the last week, the Syrian Army managed to secure 70 kilometers of the [[Syrian-Jordanian border]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-blitz-offensive-secures-70-kilometers-jordanian-border-one-week/|title=Syrian Army blitz offensive secures 70 kilometers of Jordanian border in one week|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=23 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=23 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920214438/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-blitz-offensive-secures-70-kilometers-jordanian-border-one-week/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Towards the end of the day, the Syrian Army reached positions six kilometers south of the newly captured Scientific Research Battalion, while other forces advanced east of the Zuluf Dam. These advances, brought the Army close to completely encircling and cutting off rebel forces in the south-eastern part of Damascus governorate from their comrades in and around [[Al-Tanf]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-blitz-offensive-besiege-us-backed-rebels-syrian-badiyah/|title=Syrian Army continues blitz offensive to besiege US-backed rebels in Syrian Badiyah|last=Charkatli|first=Izat|date=24 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=23 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920195152/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-continues-blitz-offensive-besiege-us-backed-rebels-syrian-badiyah/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The government forces appeared to use advanced Russian-made arms and were supported by Russian helicopters, a report acknowledged on 26 May by the [[Ministry of Defence (Russia)|Russian Defence ministry]]′s [[Zvezda (TV channel)|media outlet]].<ref>[https://tvzvezda.ru/news/vstrane_i_mire/content/201705261525-kfts.htm Ми-35 ВКС РФ наносит удар по террористам у границ Иордании: видео] [[Zvezda (TV channel)]], 26 May 2017.</ref> ===Reopening of the Damascus–Palmyra highway=== On 23 May, the Syrian Army opened a new 100-kilometer front against ISIL, with the intended aim to open the Damascus-Palmyra highway and to prevent the US-backed rebels from linking up with their allies in the Eastern Qalamoun mountains. Government forces swiftly captured over 1,200 square kilometers of territory, including numerous hills and villages from ISIL.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-opens-new-front-isis-surprise-offensive/|title=Syrian Army opens new front against ISIS in a surprise offensive|last=Charkatli|first=Izat|date=23 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=23 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=24 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024193342/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-opens-new-front-isis-surprise-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-opens-100-km-front-isis-new-surprise-offensive/|title=Syrian Army opens a 100 km front against ISIS in new surprise offensive|last=Charkatli|first=Izat|date=24 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=23 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921044203/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-opens-100-km-front-isis-new-surprise-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day, the Army made a push south and east of Palmyra as well, capturing several locations, including Abtar mountain and Arak gas fields.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} This brought the total number of open fronts as part of the operation to clear the Syrian desert of rebels and ISIL to six.<ref name="fronts"/> On 25 May, the Army captured half a dozen locations, paving the way for the reopening of the Damascus-Palmyra highway the following day.<ref>Waleed Khaled a-Noufal [http://syriadirect.org/news/us-backs-off-battling-pro-assad-forces-in-east-syrian-desert/ US-backed rebels losing territory in east Syrian desert to regime] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220150928/http://syriadirect.org/news/us-backs-off-battling-pro-assad-forces-in-east-syrian-desert/ |date=20 December 2018 }}, ''Syria Direct'', 29 May 2017</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-roads-damascus-palmyra-video/|title=Syrian Army liberates roads between Damascus, Palmyra: video|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=26 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=26 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302030137/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-roads-damascus-palmyra-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref> === Syrian Army reaches the Iraqi border === On 30 May, the Syrian Army, alongside the National Defense Forces and Iraqi paramilitary units, captured the Helba area in south-eastern Homs province, thus coming within 50&nbsp;km of the border with Iraq.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-territory-retreating-us-backed-rebels-near-iraqi-border/|title=Syrian Army captures more territory from retreating US-backed rebels near Iraqi border|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=30 May 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=30 May 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=29 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180929034317/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-territory-retreating-us-backed-rebels-near-iraqi-border/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day, FSA groups launched a counteroffensive called ''Operation This is Our Land'' and launched barrages of [[BM-21 Grad]] rockets at government forces. The rebels claimed to have broken through the first government lines of defense near the Zaza checkpoint. In response, the Syrian and Russian Air Forces conducted airstrikes against the rebels.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.enabbaladi.net/archives/153070|title="Free Army" ignites the desert counter attack .. The Russians are interfering|work=[[Enab Baladi]]|date=31 May 2017}}</ref> On 3 June, the Syrian Army captured several positions along the highway, six kilometers west of Arak.<ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-make-significant-push-towards-deir-ezzor-palmyra/ Syrian Army, Hezbollah make significant push towards Deir Ezzor from Palmyra] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920180153/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-make-significant-push-towards-deir-ezzor-palmyra/ |date=20 September 2018 }} ''[[Al-Masdar News]]''</ref><ref>[http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-bea8-Army-retakes-key-town-from-Isis-and-gains-ground-in-east#.WTiHDFWGOUl Army Retakes Key Town From Isis And Gains Ground In East] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910040928/http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/a-bea8-Army-retakes-key-town-from-Isis-and-gains-ground-in-east#.WTiHDFWGOUl |date=10 September 2017 }}, ''[[Morning Star (British newspaper)|Morning Star]]''</ref> Three days later, the Army reported it had captured three areas from ISIL south of Palmyra, creating the conditions for a simultaneous push towards both the T3 pumping station and Arak.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saa-scores-massive-advances-isis-east-homs/|title=SAA scores massive advances against ISIS in east Homs|last=Feyerabend|first=Henri|date=6 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=6 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=3 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803213935/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/saa-scores-massive-advances-isis-east-homs/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, on 6 June, the Syrian Army captured the hilltop of [[Tal Al-Abd]] along with some adjacent points, thus putting them close to the [[Dawkah]] area, while the [[United States Air Force|USAF]] had struck pro-government forces 25 miles from the US-UK training area at al-Tanf earlier in the day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-strikes-back-us-backed-forces-southeast-syria/|title=Syrian Army strikes back against US-backed forces in southeast Syria|date=6 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=7 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920205308/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-strikes-back-us-backed-forces-southeast-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The U.S. forces stated the government forces were a threat to the U.S.-backed fighters and allied troops based at the Coalition training area at al-Tanf.<ref name="cbstanf">[http://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-led-coalition-strikes-pro-government-forces-in-syria/ U.S.-led coalition strikes pro-government forces in Syria] CBS News, 6 June 2017.</ref><ref name="cnntanf" /> The next day, the Syrian government′s allies threatened retaliatory strikes in the event of further U.S. strikes on Syria′s forces.<ref>[https://ria.ru/syria/20170607/1496014448.html Штаб союзников Сирии пригрозил США ответным ударом] RIA Novosti, 7 June 2017.</ref> [[File:Qasem Soleimani in Syrian Desert (June 2017).jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|Major general [[Qasem Soleimani]] gives a prayer of thanks for the success of the offensive near the Iraqi border, together with [[Liwa Fatemiyoun]] fighters.<ref name="soleimani" />]] On 7 June, government forces seized several hills around Arak. Advances were also made southeast of Palmyra.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-palestinian-paramilitary-advance-isis-en-route-deir-ezzor-video/|title=Syrian Army, Palestinian paramilitary advance against ISIS en route to Deir Ezzor (VIDEO)|date=7 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=7 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920155642/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-palestinian-paramilitary-advance-isis-en-route-deir-ezzor-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="syriahr.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=67733|title=Regime forces achieve advancement in the northeastern desert of Palmyra and aerial bombardment targets its areas|access-date=14 June 2017|date=7 June 2017}}</ref> On 8 June, the Syrian Army captured the Dakwah hilltop from the rebels and some hilltops and the Bir Abbasiyah area from ISIL.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-overruns-us-backed-rebels-recaptures-strategic-hilltop/|title=BREAKING: Syrian Army overruns US-backed rebels, recaptures strategic hilltop|date=8 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=8 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=26 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826120457/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-overruns-us-backed-rebels-recaptures-strategic-hilltop/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-government-forces-regain-territories-syrian-desert/|title=Map Update: Government forces regain more territories in Syrian Desert|date=8 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=8 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928012409/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-government-forces-regain-territories-syrian-desert/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allies-score-significant-gains-isis-southeast-homs-video/|title=Syrian Army and allies score significant gains against ISIS in southeast Homs (VIDEO)|date=8 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=8 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=24 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180924225256/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allies-score-significant-gains-isis-southeast-homs-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Meanwhile, during the same day, the USAF struck the Syrian Army operating near al-Tanf again, while the rebels showered SAA positions with Grad rockets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-us-backed-rebels-pound-syrian-army-positions-damascus-baghdad-highway/|title=VIDEO: US-backed rebels pound Syrian Army positions on the Damascus-Baghdad highway|date=8 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=8 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928005254/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-us-backed-rebels-pound-syrian-army-positions-damascus-baghdad-highway/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 9 June, government forces advanced eastwards and set up positions around 70 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of al-Tanf, thus reaching and securing a part of the [[Iraq–Syria border|Syrian-Iraqi border]] for the first time since 2015.<ref>[https://sports.yahoo.com/syria-army-reaches-iraq-border-us-tensions-monitor-171922078.html Syria says troops reach Iraq border after US tensions] AFP, 9 June 2017.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/afp/2017/06/syria-conflict-iraq-us-is-border.html|title=Syria army reaches Iraq border after US tensions: monitor|date=9 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sana.sy/en/?p=107808|title=Syrian Army reaches Syrian-Iraqi borders northeast of al-Tanf, thwarts ISIS attack in Deir Ezzor – Syrian Arab News Agency|website=sana.sy|date=9 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref> The advance also cut off the U.S.-backed forces from the [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-cutoff-us-backed-rebels-deir-ezzor/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah cutoff US-backed rebels from Deir Ezzor|date=9 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=9 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=28 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928025646/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-cutoff-us-backed-rebels-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-hezbollah-reaches-border-iraq-first-time-years/|title=BREAKING: Syrian Army, Hezbollah reaches border with Iraq for the first time in years|date=9 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=9 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=20 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181220121527/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-hezbollah-reaches-border-iraq-first-time-years/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 11 June, five rebel fighters were killed by Jordanian forces, as they tried to return to Jordan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jordanian-army-shoots-dead-five-us-backed-rebels-tried-evade-syrian-army/|title=Jordanian Army shoots dead five US-backed rebels who tried to evade the Syrian Army|date=11 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=12 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=25 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925082209/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jordanian-army-shoots-dead-five-us-backed-rebels-tried-evade-syrian-army/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 23 June, Syrian Army captured Ard Al-Washash, Al-Waer Dam, Al-Waer Canyon region and considerable desert areas, coming within 25&nbsp;km from T2 pumping station.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/exclusive-syrian-army-enters-deir-ezzor-province/|title=Exclusive: Syrian Army enters Deir Ezzor province|date=23 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=23 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009174340/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/exclusive-syrian-army-enters-deir-ezzor-province/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 26 June Bi'r al-Duliayat area was captured by Syrian Army from ISIL rebel forces.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-pro-government-forces-liberate-strategic-area-isis-syrias-badia/|title=VIDEO: Pro-government forces liberate strategic area from ISIS in Syria's Badia|date=26 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=26 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=9 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109024952/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-pro-government-forces-liberate-strategic-area-isis-syrias-badia/|url-status=dead}}</ref> === SAA advance towards [[Al-Sukhnah, Syria|al-Sukhnah]] and into [[Deir ez-Zor Governorate|Deir ez-Zor]]=== [[File:Syrian rebel BM-21 launcher launching rockets in Syrian Desert.jpg|250px|left|thumb|A Syrian rebel [[BM-21 Grad]] launcher launching rockets at Syrian Army forces in the Syrian Desert.]] On 13 June, the Syrian Army captured the town of [[Arak, Syria|Arak]] and nearby Arak Gas Fields.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} Later on that day, almost the entire 103rd Brigade of the Republican Guard was deployed to the area from the [[Latakia Governorate]], to participate in an upcoming large-scale offensive to break ISIL's [[Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–present)|siege of Deir ez-Zor city]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/republican-guard-reinforcements-arrive-palmyra-aid-deir-ezzor-liberation-offensive/|title=Republican Guard reinforcements arrive in Palmyra to aid Deir Ezzor liberation offensive|date=14 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=14 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=5 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805224454/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/republican-guard-reinforcements-arrive-palmyra-aid-deir-ezzor-liberation-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day, the Syrian Army captured the Arak triangle, which includes the T3 pumping station, as well as the Talilah area.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-completely-collapses-east-palmyra/|title=ISIL completely collapses east of Palmyra|date=14 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=14 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=27 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927045838/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-completely-collapses-east-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}</ref> {{main|2017 Deir ez-Zor missile strike}} On 18 June, the Syrian Army reportedly cut the road between ISIL-held towns of [[Al-Qa'im (town)|Al-Qaim]] to [[Al-Sukhnah, Syria|Al-Sukhnah]], entered Deir ez-Zor Governorate from the south, while capturing large parts of the Syrian Desert from ISIL.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} Meanwhile, [[IRGC Aerospace Force]] bases in west Iran fired six [[Surface-to-surface missile|surface-to-surface]] mid-range missiles targeting ISIL forces in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. It was officially announced as a response to the [[2017 Tehran attacks|terrorist attacks in Tehran]] earlier that month.<ref name="iv">{{cite web|url=http://www.iransview.com/why-iran-targets-isis-positions-in-syrias-deir-ezzur/1729/|title=Why Iran Targets ISIS Positions in Syria's Deir Ezzur?|publisher=Iran's View|date=19 June 2017|access-date=18 June 2017|archive-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625121901/http://www.iransview.com/why-iran-targets-isis-positions-in-syrias-deir-ezzur/1729/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 19 June, ISIL fighters reportedly stormed a military camp held by the Revolutionary Commando Army, resulting in the capture and subsequent execution of eight rebels.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-isis-attacks-pro-u-s-militants-southeast-syria-executes-eight/|title=In pictures: ISIS attacks pro-U.S. militants in southeast Syria, executes eight|date=19 June 2017|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|access-date=19 June 2017|archive-date=11 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011211821/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-isis-attacks-pro-u-s-militants-southeast-syria-executes-eight/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The next day, a USAF F-15E shot down a pro-government Shahed-129 UCAV as it approached the 55 kilometer exclusion zone surrounding the Coalition base at Al-Tanf.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/20/politics/us-syria-shoots-down-pro-regime-drone/index.html|title=First on CNN: US shoots down another pro-regime drone in Syria|author=Ryan Browne and Barbara Starr|website=CNN|date=20 June 2017}}</ref> On 21 June, the Syrian Army attacked the rebel-held Bir Qassab area, 75 kilometers southeast of Damascus, eventually capturing it.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-offensive-idUSKBN19B2V3 Rebels say Syrian army, Iranian-backed militias launch offensive in eastern desert], Reuters</ref><ref>[https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-important-area-us-backed-militants-east-damascus/ Breaking: Syrian Army captures important area from US-backed militants in east Damascus] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009092716/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-important-area-us-backed-militants-east-damascus/ |date=9 October 2018 }}, Al-Masdar</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/151167|title=وكالة ستيب الإخبارية|website=stepagency-sy.net|access-date=26 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=68903|title=Hit-and-run clashes southeast of Rif Dimashq between the regime forces and International Coalition-backed factions|date=26 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/877118875950645251|title=#Syria // #Damascus // US backed rebels withdraw from Bīr Qassab area.|last=Source|first=The Inside|date=20 June 2017|website=twitter.com|access-date=26 June 2017}}</ref> On 22 June, the Syrian Army reported it had come within 20&nbsp;km of Al-Sukhnah.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pushes-east-palmyra-recaptures-strategic-gas-field/|title=Syrian Army pushes east of Palmyra, recaptures strategic gas field|date=22 June 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=22 June 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=31 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181031181252/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pushes-east-palmyra-recaptures-strategic-gas-field/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two days later, pro-government forces seized the Arak Gas Station as they continued their push towards Deir ez-Zor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-capture-arak-gas-station-push-east-deir-ezzor/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah capture Arak Gas Station as they push east to Deir Ezzor|date=24 June 2017|access-date=27 June 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920214427/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-capture-arak-gas-station-push-east-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 26 June, government forces made significant advances toward [[Abu Kamal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/deir-ezzor-liberation-within-sight-syrian-army-pounces-isis-held-desert/|title=Deir Ezzor liberation within sight as Syrian Army pounces through ISIS-held desert|author=Chris Tomson|publisher=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=26 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008003346/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/deir-ezzor-liberation-within-sight-syrian-army-pounces-isis-held-desert/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and over the next two days captured more territory from ISIL in eastern Homs Governorate. ISIL resistance was heavy, however,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-inch-closer-deir-ezzor/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah inch closer to Deir Ezzor|author=Leith Fadel|work=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=27 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920164239/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-inch-closer-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-footage-syrian-army-pushing-east-deir-ezzor/|title=Video footage of the Syrian Army pushing east to Deir Ezzor|author=Leith Fadel|publisher=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=28 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=6 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106005715/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-footage-syrian-army-pushing-east-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-capture-new-sites-along-palmyra-deir-ezzor-highway/|title=Syrian Army, Hezbollah capture new sites along Palmyra-Deir Ezzor Highway|author=Leith Fadel|publisher=[[al-Masdar News]]|date=28 June 2017|access-date=29 June 2017|archive-date=30 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230085945/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-hezbollah-capture-new-sites-along-palmyra-deir-ezzor-highway/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the government forces suffered numerous casualties, including Maj. Gen. Fuad Khaddour.<ref name="top army" /><ref name="quds" /> Meanwhile, FSA groups continued to attack government outposts in the desert.<ref name="instead isis" /> During the first day of July, the Syrian Army pushed deeper into Syrian Desert, capturing two hills overlooking Hamimah.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-tanks-race-headlong-towards-isis-bastion-southern-deir-ezzor/|title=VIDEO: Syrian Army tanks race headlong towards ISIS bastion in southern Deir Ezzor|date=2 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=4 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004024045/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-tanks-race-headlong-towards-isis-bastion-southern-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 6 July, after two days of fighting, pro-government forces advanced 10 kilometers, coming within 15 kilometers of Al-Sukhnah. 35 ISIL jihadists and 22 pro-government fighters were killed during the clashes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69539|title=About 60 persons were killed during the advancement of the regime forces to 15 km from the last city controlled by the "Islamic State" organization in Homs province|date=7 July 2017}}</ref> On 9 July ISIL fighters overran hill of Al-Mashirfah near town of [[Jubb al-Jarrah|Jubb Al-Jarrah]], stating that they killed 20 SAA soldiers. The next day Syrian Army pressed on towards Sukhnah, capturing most of al-Qalilat mountain chain north-west of al-Hail gas field, stating that they killed over 20 ISIL fighters.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-isis-carries-rare-successful-counter-offensive-eastern-homs/|title=In pictures: ISIS carries out rare successful counter-offensive in eastern Homs|date=10 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=7 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007202740/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-isis-carries-rare-successful-counter-offensive-eastern-homs/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pro-syria-forces-smash-key-isis-defense-line-sukhnah-capture-strategic-high-ground/|title=Pro-Syria forces smash key ISIS defense line before Sukhnah, capture strategic high-ground|date=9 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=7 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007205814/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pro-syria-forces-smash-key-isis-defense-line-sukhnah-capture-strategic-high-ground/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 11 July, the al-Hail gas field was captured by the Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-allies-fully-secure-strategic-site-isis-eastern-homs/|title=BREAKING: Syrian Army and allies fully secure strategic site from ISIS in eastern Homs|date=11 July 2017|access-date=25 July 2017|archive-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910042444/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-allies-fully-secure-strategic-site-isis-eastern-homs/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-army/syrian-army-takes-more-oil-fields-from-islamic-state-in-raqqa-and-eastern-desert-idUSKBN1A00PC|title=Syrian army takes more oil fields from Islamic State in Raqqa and eastern desert|date=15 July 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> === SAA advances in [[As-Suwayda Governorate|as-Suwayda]] and [[Rif Dimashq Governorate|Rif-Dimashq]] governorates === Despite an internationally agreed ceasefire,<ref>[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/10/southern-syria-ceasefire-holds-despite-sporadic-violations Southern Syria ceasefire holds despite sporadic violations], Al-Araby, 10 July 2017</ref> on 10 July Syrian government troops and Iranian-backed militias initiated the second phase of Operation Big Dawn,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-kicks-off-2nd-phase-operation-big-dawn-southeast-syria/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army kicks off 2nd phase of Operation Big Dawn in southeast Syria|date=10 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302031715/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-kicks-off-2nd-phase-operation-big-dawn-southeast-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref> launching an assault upon eight rebel-held villages east of Khalkhalah airbase in a sparsely-populated, mainly Druze desert area, capturing the hilltop of Tal al-Asfar alongside several smaller hills overlooking the village of Al-Asfar.<ref name="auto1">[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-south/syrian-army-militias-attack-rebels-in-southeast-desert-idUSKBN19V1SQ Syrian army, militias attack rebels in southeast desert], Reuters, 10 July 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/11/syria-regime-breaks-ceasefire-with-attacks-on-suweida-daraa Syria regime breaks ceasefire with attacks on Free Syrian Army in Suweida and Daraa], Al-Araby, 11 July 2017</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-northern-sweida/|title=Syrian Army captures several sites in northern Sweida|date=10 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301203048/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-several-sites-northern-sweida/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The area was held by [[Jaysh Ahrar al Ashaer]], a rebel group composed of tribal fighters operating in the border area with Jordan, and the rebels claimed the government assault included aerial bombing.<ref name="auto1"/> Concurrently, another assault was launched on rebel positions in Suwayda and Rif-Dimashq governorates near al-Seen airbase.<ref>[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/syrian-ceasefire-broken-after-a-day-sksgswqcr Ceasefire in Syria broken after a day], The Times, 11 July 2017</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-large-parts-southeast-damascus-us-backed-rebels/|title=Syrian Army seizes large parts of southeast Damascus from US-backed rebels|date=10 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=10 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302031650/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-large-parts-southeast-damascus-us-backed-rebels/|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the first day of the renewed push, government forces captured 3,000 square kilometers of territory from the rebels.<ref name="blitz">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/titanic-blitz-offensive-pro-syria-forces-sees-3000-km2-liberated-just-12-hours-map-update/|title=Titanic blitz offensive by pro-Syria forces sees 3,000 km2 liberated in just 12 hours: Map update|date=10 July 2017|access-date=11 July 2017|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301203038/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/titanic-blitz-offensive-pro-syria-forces-sees-3000-km2-liberated-just-12-hours-map-update/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Over the next several days, by 13 July, the Syrian Army and its allies captured an additional 200 square kilometers,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pro-government-forces-destroy-fsa-base-syrias-badia-capture-200-km2-territory/|title=Pro-government forces destroy FSA base in Syria's Badia, liberate 200 km2 of territory|date=13 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=13 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302030139/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pro-government-forces-destroy-fsa-base-syrias-badia-capture-200-km2-territory/|url-status=dead}}</ref> coming within 20&nbsp;km from completely encircling a large rebel-held mountainous semi-desert area straddling across eastern Suwayda and Rif-Dimashq governorates.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/massive-fsa-salient-syrian-desert-cut-off-annihilated-pro-syria-forces-map/|title=Massive FSA salient in Syrian desert to be cut-off and annihilated by pro-Syria forces: Map|date=12 July 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=12 July 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=2 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302030202/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/massive-fsa-salient-syrian-desert-cut-off-annihilated-pro-syria-forces-map/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=69941|title=In their quest to besiege the factions and regain full control over the second province in Syria… the regime forces supported by their loyal gunmen advance in the Syrian Desert|date=14 July 2017 }}</ref> Following a short-lived ceasefire with the FSA in Syria's south-western Badia region, brokered by Russia and the United States,<ref>[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/10/southern-syria-ceasefire-holds-despite-sporadic-violations Southern Syria ceasefire holds despite sporadic violations], ''al-Araby'', 10 July 2017</ref><ref>[https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2017/7/11/syria-regime-breaks-ceasefire-with-attacks-on-suweida-daraa Syria regime breaks ceasefire with attacks on Free Syrian Army in Suweida and Daraa], ''al-Araby'', 11 July 2017</ref> government forces started redeploying to the east of Palmyra for [[Central Syria campaign (July 2017–present)|a new offensive]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/massive-pro-government-reinforcements-arrive-eastern-homs-upcoming-offensive/|title=Massive pro-government reinforcements arrive in eastern Homs for upcoming offensive|date=25 July 2017|access-date=25 July 2017|archive-date=21 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021053041/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/massive-pro-government-reinforcements-arrive-eastern-homs-upcoming-offensive/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Aftermath== {{Main|Central Syria campaign (2017)}} On 1 August, the rebels announced a new offensive against the Syrian Arab Army in Syria's desert region. The rebels stated they would continue to fight government forces despite the rejection of US support for their battle.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2017/09/10/world/middleeast/10reuters-mideast-crisis-syria-south.html?|title=Syrian Rebels Say U.S. Allies Push for Retreat From Southeast Syria|website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-announce-new-offensive-syrian-army-central-syria/|title=Rebels announce new offensive against Syrian Army in central Syria|date=1 August 2017|access-date=8 August 2017|archive-date=23 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023004731/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-announce-new-offensive-syrian-army-central-syria/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 4 August, the Syrian Arab Army resumed their operations against the FSA, making advances near the Jordanian border.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allies-recommence-offensive-syria-jordan-border-region/|title=Syrian Army, allies recommence offensive in Syria-Jordan border region|date=4 August 2017|access-date=8 August 2017|archive-date=30 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030123447/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allies-recommence-offensive-syria-jordan-border-region/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Government advances continued in As-Suwayda the next day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/watch-syrian-army-seize-new-sites-near-jordanian-border/|date=6 August 2017|title=Watch the Syrian Army seize new sites near the Jordanian border|access-date=8 August 2017|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920195206/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/watch-syrian-army-seize-new-sites-near-jordanian-border/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Late in August, rebel fighters assaulted Syrian Army border posts along the border with Jordan in As-Suwayda governorate, but were forced to fall back to Jordan after failing to break through the defenses.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-fall-back-across-jordanian-border-failed-offensive-sweida-video/|title=US-backed rebels fall back across the Jordanian border after failed offensive in Sweida: video|date=2017-08-21|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-08-21|language=en-US|archive-date=20 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920220023/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/us-backed-rebels-fall-back-across-jordanian-border-failed-offensive-sweida-video/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|30em}} {{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} {{Syrian Civil War}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Syrian Desert campaign (2017 05-07)}} [[Category:Conflicts in 2017]] [[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2017]] [[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army]] [[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 involving the United States]] [[Category:May 2017 events in Syria]] [[Category:June 2017 events in Syria]] [[Category:July 2017 events in Syria]]'