Eastern Homs offensive (2017)

{{Main|Palmyra offensive (2017)}}

The Syrian Army captured the Palmyra Triangle area, Palmyra Castle, Qatari Castle, and al-Amriyah village, as well as many hilltops including Jabbal Hayyal and Jabbal al-Tar after an assault on 1 March.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-verge-recapturing-palmyra-map-video/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army on verge of recapturing Palmyra [Map + Video]|date=1 March 2017|newspaper=Al-Masdar News|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055114/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-verge-recapturing-palmyra-map-video/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/syrian-army-advances-to-outskirts-of-is-held-palmyra/article/486931|title=Syrian army advances to outskirts of IS-held Palmyra|date=1 March 2017|publisher=Digital Journal|work=The Associated Press|access-date=1 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-deep-trouble-syrian-army-enters-palmyra-city/|title=ISIS in deep trouble as the Syrian Army enters Palmyra city|date=1 March 2017|newspaper=Al-Masdar News|access-date=1 March 2017|archive-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729222441/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-deep-trouble-syrian-army-enters-palmyra-city/|url-status=dead}} On the same day, the Syrian army and allies backed by warplanes, had entered to the modern city of Palmyra and captured the al-Motaqadin street after captured the western and northern western sections of the city amid information about pulling back by ISIL from the city.{{cite news|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/syria-army-enters-isil-held-palmyra-monitor|title=Syria army enters ISIL-held Palmyra: monitor|date=1 March 2017|publisher=The National|work=Agence-France Presse|access-date=1 March 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=61952|title=Regime forces enter Tadmur city|date=1 March 2017|work=SOHR|access-date=1 March 2017}} On the next day, ISIL launched a failed counter-attack following which SAA attacked and imposed full control over Jabal al-Tar and Palmyra Castle.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-prepares-final-assault-liberate-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army prepares for final assault to liberate Palmyra|date=2 March 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar New|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065935/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-prepares-final-assault-liberate-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} ISIL later withdrew from most of Palmyra, after they mined many points in the city. However, they left behind suicide bombers in the eastern districts of Palmyra, to cover the retreat of the ISIL militants, and to hamper the progress of the Syrian Army.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/03/02/%d8%aa%d9%86%d8%b8%d9%8a%d9%85-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%af%d9%88%d9%84%d8%a9-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a5%d8%b3%d9%84%d8%a7%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%a9-%d9%8a%d9%86%d8%b3%d8%ad%d8%a8-%d9%85%d9%86-%d9%85%d8%af%d9%8a%d9%86/|title=تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" ينسحب من مدينة تدمر بعد تلغيمه وتفخيخه لنقاط كثيرة فيها|access-date=21 March 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamic-state-retreats-palmyra-amid-blitz-syrian-army-offensive/|title=Islamic State retreats from Palmyra amid stunning Syrian Army offensive|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=2 March 2017|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302030057/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/islamic-state-retreats-palmyra-amid-blitz-syrian-army-offensive/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/pulls-back-syrias-palmyra-monitor-072131017.html|title=Syrian forces with Russian air support take Palmyra|access-date=16 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502004646/https://www.yahoo.com/news/pulls-back-syrias-palmyra-monitor-072131017.html|url-status=dead}} On 2 March, the Syrian Army recaptured the entire city of Palmyra, after ISIL fully withdrew from the city.{{cite web|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN1691GI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302184354/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCAKBN1691GI|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 March 2017|title=Syrian army announces recapture of Palmyra from Islamic State}} On the next day, the Syrian Army captured the Palmyra Airport,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-palmyra-airport-isis/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army captures Palmyra Airport from ISIS|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=3 March 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=4 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051234/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-captures-palmyra-airport-isis/|url-status=dead}} and completely secured it on 4 March, after ISIL was forced to retreat to the Palmyra Grain Silos to the east of the airport.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-fully-secures-palmyra-airport-intense-clashes-isis/|title=Syrian Army fully secures Palmyra Airport after intense clashes with ISIS|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=4 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502063826/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-fully-secures-palmyra-airport-intense-clashes-isis/|url-status=dead}}

On 5 March 2017, the Syrian Army captured all hills to the south of the Jazal oil fields, to the northwest of the city of Palmyra. They later attacked the oil fields as well, forcing ISIL to withdraw. The group set the oil fields on fire while retreating.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-storms-jazal-oil-field-near-palmyra/|title=BREAKING: Syrian Army storms Jazal oil field near Palmyra|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=5 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051247/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-storms-jazal-oil-field-near-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} On the next day, the Syrian army secured the entirety of the Jazal Oil Fields and captured the adjacent Jazal mountain.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-jazal-gas-fields-northern-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army liberates Jazal Gas Fields in northern Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=6 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064649/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-jazal-gas-fields-northern-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-03/06/c_136107405.htm|title=Syrian army captures key oil field near Palmyra|publisher=Xinhua}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-expands-buffer-zone-around-palmyra-map-update/|title=VIDEO: Syrian Army expands buffer zone around Palmyra - Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=7 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502073313/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-expands-buffer-zone-around-palmyra-map-update/|url-status=dead}}

On 7 March, the Syrian Army captured Al-Amriyah Mountain and the surrounding hills, securing the fire control over the Palmyra Grain Silos.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-reaches-palmyra-silos-expels-isis-adjacent-mountains-map-update/|title=Syrian Army reaches Palmyra Silos, expels ISIS from adjacent mountains - Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=7 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070118/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-reaches-palmyra-silos-expels-isis-adjacent-mountains-map-update/|url-status=dead}} On 13 March, the Syrian army captured the Palmyra Electrical Station and Sabkhat al Muh area south of the city of Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-palmyra-electrical-station-isis-retreats-south/|title=Syrian Army liberates Palmyra Electrical Station as ISIS retreats south|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=13 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065503/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-palmyra-electrical-station-isis-retreats-south/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D9%87-%D9%81%D9%8A/|title=بالفيديو -- الجيش السوري يتابع تقدمه في ريف تدمر الشرقي ويسيطر على سبخة الموح ومحطة الكهرباء|first=Yusha|last=Yuseef|date=13 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052734/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%8A%D8%B4-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D9%87-%D9%81%D9%8A/|url-status=dead}} On the same day, the Syrian army captured the Palmyra Grain Silos.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-palmyra-silos-amid-large-push-east-city/|title=Syrian Army liberates Palmyra silos amid large push east of city|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=13 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070403/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-palmyra-silos-amid-large-push-east-city/|url-status=dead}} They also captured the Wadi al-Ahmar area furing the same day.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-important-advance-towards-key-gas-field-east-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army makes important advance towards key gas field in east Palmyra|publisher=Al-Masdar News|author=Leith Fadel|date=14 March 2017|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070431/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-important-advance-towards-key-gas-field-east-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} On 14 March, the Syrian Army captured the Mustadirah Mountains in northeastern Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-large-mountaintop-overlooking-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army liberates large mountaintop overlooking Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=14 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065441/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-large-mountaintop-overlooking-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} Later, the Syrian army captured the Mustadirah Gas Fields during the early hours.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-mass-collapsing-east-palmyra-syrian-army-troops-advance-eastward/|title=ISIS mass collapsing in east Palmyra as Syrian Army troops advance eastward|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=15 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502054601/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-mass-collapsing-east-palmyra-syrian-army-troops-advance-eastward/|url-status=dead}}

On 15 March, the Syrian Army reached the strategic Talilah Crossroad where clashes took place.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-restarts-deir-ezzor-liberation-campaign-push-east-palmyra-map-update/|title=Syrian Army restarts Deir Ezzor liberation campaign after push east of Palmyra – Map update|first=Chris|last=Thompson|date=15 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065514/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-restarts-deir-ezzor-liberation-campaign-push-east-palmyra-map-update/|url-status=dead}} The next day, the Syrian Army captured the mountain of Jabal Mazar, the adjacent Hajjana Storage Base, Palmyra Gas Fields and officially secured all high points around the city of Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-retreat-syrian-army-captures-last-mountain-overlooking-palmyra/|title=BREAKING: ISIS on retreat as Syrian Army captures last mountain overlooking Palmyra|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=16 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052822/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-retreat-syrian-army-captures-last-mountain-overlooking-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-palmyra-gas-fields-isils-defenses-collapse-north-city-map/|title=Syrian Army liberates Palmyra Gas Fields as ISIL's defenses collapse north of city: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=16 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065853/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-palmyra-gas-fields-isils-defenses-collapse-north-city-map/|url-status=dead}}

On 17 March, the Syrian Army launched another attack on the Al-Talilah Crossroad and Al-‘Antar Mountains.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-expands-buffer-zone-around-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army expands buffer-zone around Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=17 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062709/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-expands-buffer-zone-around-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} Two days later, government troops captured the mountain ridge located north of the recently captured Jabal Mazar. This gave them fire-control of the nearby Al-Hurm Mountains in the northern Palmyra countryside. Later in the day, the 5th Legion of the Syrian Army also secured the Talialh Mountains some 20 kilometres south-west of Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-territory-north-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army liberates more territory north of Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=19 March 2017|access-date=21 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065908/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-territory-north-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palmyra-offensive-continues-syrian-army-push/|title=Palmyra offensive continues with Syrian Army on the push|last=Adra|first=Zen|date=2017-03-19|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-03-19|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502060131/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palmyra-offensive-continues-syrian-army-push/|url-status=dead}}

On 23 March, ISIL attacked one of the Syrian Army outposts to the east of Palmyra killing four soldiers.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/photos-18-isis-blitz-syrian-army-in-eastern-palmyra-killing-four-soldiers/|title=PHOTOS 18+: ISIS blitz Syrian Army in eastern Palmyra killing four soldiers|last=Antonopoulos|first=Paul|date=2017-03-22|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-03-23|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062647/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/photos-18-isis-blitz-syrian-army-in-eastern-palmyra-killing-four-soldiers/|url-status=dead}} The attack was eventually repelled by the newly created elite unit ISIL Hunters who killed 24 attackers and wounded 12. An ISIL vehicle was also destroyed.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-repels-isis-offensive-near-palmyra/|title=In Video: Syrian Army repels ISIS offensive near Palmyra|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=23 March 2017|access-date=23 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502073020/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-repels-isis-offensive-near-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}

On 27 March, the Army captured four mountains and Brigade 550 Base and several other points to the north of Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-overruns-isis-around-palmyra-recaptures-new-points/|title=Syrian Army overruns ISIS around Palmyra, recaptures new points|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=27 March 2017|access-date=27 March 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064432/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-overruns-isis-around-palmyra-recaptures-new-points/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/138410|title=تقدم جديد للنظام شرقي حمص، و داعش يعزز جبهاته حول تدمر - Step News Agency|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518145722/http://stepagency-sy.net/archives/138410|archive-date=18 May 2017|url-status=dead}} These advances moved the government closer to resolving its long-standing energy crisis amid reports that ISIL had withdrawn from the Jirah and Sha’er Gas Fields not long after the Syrian Army captured the mountaintops northwest of Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-collapses-north-palmyra-syrian-army-troops-surround-key-gas-fields/|title=ISIL collapses north of Palmyra as Syrian Army troops surround key gas fields|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=28 March 2017|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052912/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-collapses-north-palmyra-syrian-army-troops-surround-key-gas-fields/|url-status=dead}} It launched a new assault in the eastern countryside of Palmyra on 31 March, targeting the road to the strategic Arak gas fields. The SAA seized some points on the Palmyra-Sukhnah road during the day.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pushes-east-palmyra-liberate-arak-gas-fields/|title=Syrian Army pushes east of Palmyra to liberate Arak Gas Fields|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=1 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=1 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070029/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-pushes-east-palmyra-liberate-arak-gas-fields/|url-status=dead}}

The SAA captured the Abu al-Duhur mountain in eastern Homs on 2 April. The capture of Abu al-Duhur gave them fire control over Abu Qulah dam and Wadi Al-Hissu.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=64013|title= Clashes renewed in the eastern countryside of Homs and in Daraa city|date=2 April 2017|publisher=SOHR|access-date=5 April 2017}} Jabal al-Taj was also reported to have been captured by the Syrian Army.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-establishes-fire-control-arak-gas-fields-east-palmyra-map-update/|title=Syrian Army establishes fire control over Arak Gas Fields east of Palmyra – Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=2 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064026/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-establishes-fire-control-arak-gas-fields-east-palmyra-map-update/|url-status=dead}} On 4 April, they captured an area of a mountain chain north of Palmyra overlooking the Arak gas fields.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-slices-islamic-state-heartland-amid-new-palmyra-gains-map-update/|title=Syrian Army establishes fire control over Arak Gas Fields east of Palmyra – Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=4 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=5 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502071914/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-slices-islamic-state-heartland-amid-new-palmyra-gains-map-update/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2017/04/05/غارات-للطيران-الحربي-تستهدف-بادية-تدم/|title=غارات للطيران الحربي تستهدف بادية تدمر وقذائف تستهدف مزارع حرستا|date=5 April 2017|publisher=SOHR|access-date=5 April 2017|language=ar}}

After the Tomahawk missile strike on Shayrat Air Base carried out by the United States, ISIL launched attacks on Syrian Army defenses in Palmyra, taking advantage of absence of Syrian Air Force in eastern Homs. It attacked the checkpoints outside the village of al-Furqalas, however the attack was repelled with the Homs-Palmyra road secured.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-takes-advantage-us-attack-government-storm-western-palmyra/|title=ISIL takes advantage of US attack on government to storm western Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fad|date=7 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=7 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502060740/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-takes-advantage-us-attack-government-storm-western-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}

On 7 April, the Syrian Army advanced several kilometers along the M-90 highway, south of Palmyra, capturing farms, a quarry, and a racing runway. The advance cut one of ISIL's supply lines in the region.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-cuts-isis-supply-line-amid-massive-push-south-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army cuts ISIS supply line amid massive push south of Palmyra|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=7 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062652/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-cuts-isis-supply-line-amid-massive-push-south-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=64665|title=Shells target Makhram Foqani and clashes violently continue in Palmyra desert|access-date=23 April 2017}} Three days later, the military captured the ISIL positions in the eastern parts of the Al-Abtar Mountains{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-inches-closer-recapture-isis-stronghold-syrian-desert/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army inches closer to recapture ISIS stronghold in the Syrian Desert|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=12 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062529/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-inches-closer-recapture-isis-stronghold-syrian-desert/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=64655|title=The regime forces advance in the southern desert of Palmyra and factions target regime forces in the Ghouta|access-date=23 April 2017}} and reportedly reached the Sawwanah Junction, while pushing towards the Khunayfis Phosphate Mines.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/major-push-made-syrian-army-hezbollah-units-south-palmyra/|title=Major push made by Syrian Army, Hezbollah units south of Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=11 April 2017|access-date=23 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062437/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/major-push-made-syrian-army-hezbollah-units-south-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} On 11 April, they advanced in the areas of Al-Abtar Mountains, Matla’ al-Sukkar and Qasr al-Halabat.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-control-strategic-hills-near-palmyra-video/|title=Syrian Army seizes control of strategic hills near Palmyra: video|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=28 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064458/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-control-strategic-hills-near-palmyra-video/|url-status=dead}}[https://www.sana.sy/en/?p=104027 Army establishes control over al-Abtar Mountain in Homs Countryside, inflicts heavy losses upon terrorists in different areas]

Amaq News Agency claimed on 14 April that ISIL had killed 11 Syrian soldiers near Sabkha al-Mawah in eastern Palmyra.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-11-syrian-troops-killed-amid-skirmishes-isis-insurgents-east-palmyra/|title=In pictures: 11 Syrian troops killed amid skirmishes with ISIS insurgents east of Palmyra|date=14 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=28 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502061707/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/pictures-11-syrian-troops-killed-amid-skirmishes-isis-insurgents-east-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} On 18 April, SAA's 5th Legion along with the 18th Tank Division captured the Abu Qilla Dam.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trumps-missile-strike-fails-stop-syrian-army-west-palmyra/|title=Trump's missile strike fails to stop the Syrian Army in west Palmyra|date=18 April 2017|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=28 April 2017|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502071929/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/trumps-missile-strike-fails-stop-syrian-army-west-palmyra/|url-status=dead}}

On 24 April, the SAA led by the ISIL Hunters captured several points overlooking the al-Shaer gas fields.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-hunters-verge-liberating-strategic-al-shaer-gas-fields/|title=ISIS Hunters on the verge of liberating the strategic Al-Sha'er Gas Fields|last=Fad|first=Leith|date=2017-04-24|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-04-28|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502054539/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-hunters-verge-liberating-strategic-al-shaer-gas-fields/|url-status=dead}} On 26 April, it captured al-Shawr gas fields as well as all the hills overlooking it.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-falls-apart-northern-palmyra-syrian-army-troops-liberate-strategic-gas-fields/|title=ISIL falls apart in northern Palmyra as Syrian Army troops liberate strategic gas fields|last=Fad|first=Leith|date=2017-04-26|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-04-28|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052933/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isil-falls-apart-northern-palmyra-syrian-army-troops-liberate-strategic-gas-fields/|url-status=dead}} On 27 April, SAA led by the 5th Legion and assisted by Russian helicopters captured the abandoned Armored Battalion base, expanding on the gains made a day before when they captured Shaer Gas Fields. During the same day, the Syrian Army also took hold of entire Al-Bayda’a mountain range.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-base-amid-swift-advance-east-homs/|title=Syrian Army captures abandoned base amid swift advance in east Homs|last=Velez|first=Renato|date=2017-04-27|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062432/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-base-amid-swift-advance-east-homs/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-mountain-chain-north-palmyra-map/|title=Syrian Army liberates mountain chain north of Palmyra: map|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-04-27|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064721/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-mountain-chain-north-palmyra-map/|url-status=dead}} On 28 April, the Army captured all of the oil wells in the Shaer Gas Fields. Government forces then started demining the gas fields which were also on fire.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-last-legs-syrian-army-imposes-full-control-gas-field-east-homs/|title=ISIS on its last legs as the Syrian Army imposes full control over gas field in east Homs|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=2017-04-28|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-04-28|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502054548/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-last-legs-syrian-army-imposes-full-control-gas-field-east-homs/|url-status=dead}}

On 30 April, the SAA backed by the NDF, captured six villages and two hilltops in northeastern Homs.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-allies-liberate-string-villages-hilltops-isis-northeastern-homs/|title=BREAKING: Syrian Army and allies liberate a string of villages and hilltops from ISIS in northeastern Homs|last=Illingworth|first=Andrew|date=2017-04-30|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-05-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502051220/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-allies-liberate-string-villages-hilltops-isis-northeastern-homs/|url-status=dead}} The advance helped them in securing the Palmyra-Homs highway, the main supply line to Palmyra.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-secures-palmyra-supply-line-expelling-isis-nearby-mountains/|title=VIDEO: Syrian Army secures Palmyra supply line after expelling ISIS from nearby mountains|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=2017-04-30|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-05-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502071946/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-secures-palmyra-supply-line-expelling-isis-nearby-mountains/|url-status=dead}} ISIL carried out a counterattack on 2 May in the axis between Palmyra silos and Talilah crossroads, with Amaq claiming the group had captured several outposts and had killed 11 soldiers.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-anti-tank-missiles-syrian-army-palmyra-counter-offensive-video-pictures/|title=ISIS captures anti-tank missiles from Syrian Army in Palmyra counter-offensive (video + pictures)|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=2017-05-04|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-05-10|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052937/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-captures-anti-tank-missiles-syrian-army-palmyra-counter-offensive-video-pictures/|url-status=dead}}

On 3 May, the SAA captured the Shumriyah Mountains, west of Palmyra, as well as three nearby villages.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-three-villages-deep-inside-isis-heartland-rural-homs-footage/|title=Syrian Army liberates three villages deep inside ISIS heartland of rural Homs (footage)|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=2017-05-04|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=2017-05-03|language=en-US|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070418/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-three-villages-deep-inside-isis-heartland-rural-homs-footage/|url-status=dead}} The next day, pro-government forces captured four positions near the Talilah crossroads.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-important-advance-southeast-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army makes important advance southeast of Palmyra|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-05-04|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-05-10|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502065921/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-important-advance-southeast-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} Between 6 and 10 May, the SAA captured six hilltops east of Al-Shumriyah Mountains and near the al-Shaer gas fields.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-footage-syrian-army-troops-liberating-new-territory-northeast-homs/|title=Video footage of Syrian Army troops liberating new territory in northeast Homs|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-05-06|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-05-10|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502070551/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-footage-syrian-army-troops-liberating-new-territory-northeast-homs/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-hilltop-northeast-homs/|title=Syrian Army captures new hilltop in northeast Homs|last=Fadel|first=Leith|date=2017-05-07|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-05-10|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062637/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-new-hilltop-northeast-homs/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-seizes-three-hills-amid-offensive-pouncing-isis-heartland-homs/ |title=VIDEO: Syrian Army seizes three hills amid offensive pouncing through ISIS heartland in Homs |access-date=10 May 2017 |archive-date=28 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928024453/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-syrian-army-seizes-three-hills-amid-offensive-pouncing-isis-heartland-homs/ |url-status=dead }}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=66199 Regime forces advance in areas in the eastern desert of Homs and clashes in the countryside of al-Salamiyah] On 12 May, the SAA, backed by the Russian Air Force, captured the entire Talilah area.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-forces-retake-important-crossroads-isis-east-palmyra/|title=Syrian government forces retake an important crossroads from ISIS east of Palmyra|last=Castro|first=Ivan|date=2017-05-12|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-05-14|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502071729/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-government-forces-retake-important-crossroads-isis-east-palmyra/|url-status=dead}} They also captured the quarries to the east of al-Shumriyah Mountains, in addition to the Maqla’ Al-Mushairifah Al-Janoubi area, thus imposing fire control over the road linking the villages of Jubab Hamad, Rasm Hamida and Habrah Al-Gharbiyah.{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-setback-isis-eastern-homs-syrian-army-captures-new-site/|title=Another setback for ISIS in eastern Homs as Syrian Army captures a new site|last=Castro|first=Ivan|date=2017-05-12|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=2017-05-14|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052809/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/another-setback-isis-eastern-homs-syrian-army-captures-new-site/|url-status=dead}}

{{main article|Syrian Desert campaign (May–July 2017)}}

As part of an offensive to clear out both the rebels and ISIL from the southern portion of the Syrian desert, half a dozen fronts were opened by the Army, including south and east of Palmyra.[https://smmsyria.wordpress.com/2017/05/24/saa-opens-six-fronts-in-badiyeh-region-to-face-terrorists/ SAA OPENS SIX FRONTS IN BADIYEH REGION TO FACE TERRORISTS]

• Palmyra offensive (2017)
• Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–17)

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rthxhUE0OSc Coalition Airstrike Destroys 168 Da'esh Oil Tanker Trucks in Central Syria]
• [https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palmyra-front-march-3-2017-palmyra-liberation-road-back-t-4/ VIDEO: Palmyra Front (March 3, 2017): Palmyra Liberation: The Road Back from T-4.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305035850/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/palmyra-front-march-3-2017-palmyra-liberation-road-back-t-4/ |date=5 March 2017 }}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{coord|34.5600|N|38.2672|E|source:wikidata|display=title}}

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2017

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:Homs Governorate in the Syrian civil war

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia

Category:March 2017 in Syria

Category:April 2017 in Syria