Eastern Syria campaign

{{Main|2017 Euphrates Crossing offensive}}

Following a large-scale summer campaign in central Syria, which succeeded in lifting the siege of Deir ez-Zor,{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/05/syria-army-breaks-years-long-isil-siege-deir-ezzor/|title=Syrian army breaks years-long Isil siege on Deir Ezzor|work=The Telegraph|date=5 September 2017 |access-date=5 September 2017}} the Syrian Army began operations to surround the remaining ISIL-held parts of the city. On 15 September, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced the beginning of the army offensive across the Euphrates River, codenamed Assad's jump.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-euphrates/russia-syria-government-forces-now-on-east-bank-of-euphrates-river-idUSKCN1BQ2FQ|title=Russia: Syria government forces now on east bank of Euphrates river|date=15 September 2017|publisher=Reuters|access-date=24 September 2017}} Three days later, pro-government forces crossed the Euphrates River{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=74499|title=The regime forces control Hawija Sakr and work with the Russians on rehabilitating the military base of Deir Ezzor and new groups arrives to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River|publisher=SOHR|access-date=2 October 2017}} using pontoon bridges, and launched an offensive on the east bank of the city of Deir ez-Zor.{{cite web|title=Pro-government Forces Advance Toward SDF in Deir Ezzor|website=Syria Deeply|date=19 September 2017|access-date=28 September 2017|url=https://www.newsdeeply.com/syria/executive-summaries/2017/09/19}} By 16 October, the Syrian Army captured the town of al-Husayniyah on the other side of the Euphrates from Deir ez-Zor, establishing a siege of the ISIL-held part of the city.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-retreats-east-euphrates-region-amid-rapid-syrian-army-gains/|title=Breaking: ISIS retreats from east Euphrates region amid rapid Syrian Army gains|date=16 October 2017|work=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|access-date=16 October 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=14 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714194536/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-isis-retreats-east-euphrates-region-amid-rapid-syrian-army-gains/|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|2017 Mayadin offensive}}

Concurrently to its operations to encircle Deir ez-Zor, the Army launched an offensive towards Mayadin, ISIL's new capital, on 4 October, coming within 10 kilometers of the town.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-russian-captive-syria-identified-cossack-50271839|title=The Latest: Al-Qaida-linked group denies leader was wounded|website=ABC News|access-date=13 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013065659/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-russian-captive-syria-identified-cossack-50271839|archive-date=13 October 2017|url-status=dead}} The military pushed into the town from the west on 6 October from the west,{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20171006-syrian-forces-mayadeen-islamic-state-group-al-qaeda-russia|title=Syrian forces enter one of Islamic State group's last strongholds - France 24|date=6 October 2017|access-date=13 October 2017}} but were pushed back by 9 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=75913|title=After killing about 40 members of the regime and getting them away of Al-Mayadin city… the "Islamic State" organization carries out counterattacks to break up the regime forces and kill more of their members|access-date=13 October 2017}}

On 12 October, the Syrian Army encircled Mayadin,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=76121|title=The regime forces and Russian forces besiege the "capital of al-Khair State" and close all land roads with the city's countryside|access-date=13 October 2017}} after which they pushed into the western and northern parts of the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/syrian-government-troops-push-on-into-is-stronghold-town|title=Syrian government troops push on into IS stronghold town|website=Fox News|date=12 October 2017|access-date=13 October 2017}} Two days later, the city was captured{{cite web|title=Breaking: Syrian Army liberates ISIS capital city|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-isis-capital-city/|website=Al-Masdar|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-date=26 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226034910/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-isis-capital-city/|url-status=dead}} and by 17 October, all land between Deir ez-Zor and Mayadin along the Euphrates was captured by government.

{{Main|Battle of Deir ez-Zor (September–November 2017)}}

Following the surrounding of the ISIL-held part of Deir ez-Zor in mid-October, the Army started operations to clear the city on 17 October, quickly capturing three districts.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/major-development-syrian-army-liberates-three-districts-deir-ezzor-city/|title=Major development: Syrian Army liberates three districts in Deir Ezzor City|date=17 October 2017|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-date=21 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180921181355/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/major-development-syrian-army-liberates-three-districts-deir-ezzor-city/|url-status=dead}} On 26 October, government forces managed to capture the Saqr island{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77179|title=Military operations escalate in Deir Ezzor city and the regime forces re-control the land that witnessed the kill of the man who "legalized the civil war"|access-date=29 October 2017}} and several days later captured two districts and a stadium in Deir ez-Zor.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1544386/3-syria-army-clashes-deir-ezzor-kill-73/|title=Syria army, IS clashes in Deir Ezzor kill 73 - The Express Tribune|date=29 October 2017|access-date=29 October 2017}}

On 2 November, ISIL's defense lines in Deir ez-Zor collapsed{{cite web|url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-97-deir-ezzor-city-isis-last-legs-video/|title=Syrian Army captures 97% of Deir Ezzor City, ISIS on its last legs: video|date=2 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116155701/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-97-deir-ezzor-city-isis-last-legs-video/|url-status=dead}} as the Tiger forces and Republican guard units made rapid advances in the central parts of the city, capturing Deir ez-Zor's largest district,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77686|title=The regime forces control the largest neighborhood in Deir Ezzor city and besiege ISIS in hundreds of meters remained under its control|access-date=5 November 2017}} Hamidiyah.{{cite web|url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-full-control-al-hamidiyah-quarter-first-time-six-years/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army in full control of Al-Hamidiyah Quarter for the first time in six years|date=2 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116165947/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-full-control-al-hamidiyah-quarter-first-time-six-years/|url-status=dead}} This left ISIL forces squeezed{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77606|title=The regime forces impose their control on more than 95% of Deir Ezzor city and ISIS defend the last area remaining under its control|access-date=5 November 2017}} in the four remaining neighborhoods under their control along the western bank of the Euphrates. By midnight, three neighborhoods were captured,{{cite web|url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fully-expelled-western-bank-euphrates-syrian-army-liberates-last-deir-ezzor-districts/|title=ISIS fully expelled from western bank of Euphrates as Syrian Army liberates last Deir Ezzor districts|date=3 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-date=16 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116124926/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fully-expelled-western-bank-euphrates-syrian-army-liberates-last-deir-ezzor-districts/|url-status=dead}} leaving only one district under jihadist control. On 3 November, Syrian government forces completely captured the city.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/02/deir-ez-zor-cleared-of-last-islamic-state-fighters-isis|title=Isis dealt twin blows with loss of Deir ez-Zor and key Iraq border post|agency=Agence France-Presse|newspaper=The Guardian |date=3 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|via=www.theguardian.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-command-officially-announces-deir-ezzor-liberated-video/|title=Syrian Army command officially announces Deir Ezzor liberated - video|date=3 November 2017|access-date=5 November 2017|archive-date=17 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117013933/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-command-officially-announces-deir-ezzor-liberated-video/|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|2017 Abu Kamal offensive}}

On 23 October, government forces started an offensive to reach Abu Kamal,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77102|title=48 hours of Al-Bokamal Battle kill 70 members of the regime forces and Syrian, Lebanese and Arab fighters loyal to them and members of ISIS}} managing to capture the strategic T-2 Pumping Station by 26 October{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-islamicstate/syrian-army-captures-islamic-state-position-in-east-eyes-final-stronghold-idUSKBN1CV1ET|title=Syrian army captures Islamic State position, eyes final stronghold|date=26 October 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}[http://www.syriahr.com/2017/10/26/في-الطريق-إلى-البوكمال-القوات-الموالي/ في الطريق إلى البوكمال..القوات الموالية للنظام تسيطر على المحطة الثانية ((التي تو)) الاستراتيجية] coming within 40 kilometers of Abu Kamal as of 27 October.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77235|title=The regime forces escalate their attack and intensify their shelling and advance to become at 40 km away from Al-Bokamal city and ISIS fights desperately to repel the attack}} At this point, ISIL was preparing the town's defenses.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-iraq/islamic-state-shores-up-last-stronghold-on-syria-iraq-border-idUSKBN1CW24X|title=Islamic State shores up last stronghold on Syria-Iraq border|date=27 October 2017|newspaper=Reuters}}

On 28 October, ISIL launched a counter-attack{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77272|title=After it forced the regime forces to retreat in the T2 area, ISIS re-storms al-Quriyah town and recovers parts of it}} that managed to recapture two towns along the Euphrates and push back government troops back to Mayadin,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-deir-zor/syrian-army-allies-step-up-attacks-on-last-militant-bastion-in-deir-al-zor-city-idUSKBN1CY0NP|title=Syrian army, allies step up attacks on last militant bastion in Deir al-Zor city|date=29 October 2017|newspaper=Reuters}} but failed to recapture the T-2 Station.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77470|title=After absorbing the counter attack of ISIS in (T 2) area…the regime forces advance towards Al-Bokamal and become at 50 km away from it}}

On 5 November, government forces pushed within 15 kilometers of Abu Kamal,{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=77897|title=The regime forces reach to the nearest area to Al-Bukamal city, ISIS largest bastion in Syrian and violent fighting to reach to the border city}} reaching the Iraqi border.{{cite web|url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/irgc-hezbollah-plan-link-baghdad-damascus-albukamal-crossing/|title=IRGC, Hezbollah plan to link Baghdad to Damascus through Albukamal crossing|date=6 November 2017|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-date=13 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613162218/https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/irgc-hezbollah-plan-link-baghdad-damascus-albukamal-crossing/|url-status=dead}} After the Syrian Army met up with Iraqi militias on the border on 8 November,{{cite web|url=https://mobile.almasdarnews.com/article/first-scenes-iraqi-forces-syrian-army-meeting-border/First|title=scenes of Iraqi forces, Syrian Army meeting at border}}{{dead link|date=May 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-encircle-islamic-state-held-town-51010944|title=Syrian troops encircle last Islamic State-held town|website=ABC News|access-date=20 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113042741/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/syrian-troops-encircle-islamic-state-held-town-51010944|archive-date=13 November 2017|url-status=dead}} the Syrian military and its allies launched an assault on Abu Kamal,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-islamic-state/syrian-army-encircles-last-is-stronghold-in-syria-al-manar-idUSKBN1D81NM|title=Syrian army, allies, take last IS stronghold in Syria: commander|date=8 November 2017|newspaper=Reuters}} quickly encircling the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/syrian-troops-break-into-last-isis-held-town-albu-kamal-1773040|title=Syrian Troops Break Into Last ISIS-Held Town Albu Kamal}} The next day, pro-government forces captured Abu Kamal.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/syrian-allies-seize-final-isis-bastion-as-caliphate-disintegrates/news-story/4d805deb3057edb452122b2603908fb5|title=Subscribe - theaustralian|website=www.theaustralian.com.au}} However, late that day, an ISIL counterattack recapture large parts of the town.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20171110-jihadists-retake-nearly-half-syria-border-town-monitor|title=IS jihadists retake nearly half of Syria border town: monitor|publisher=France 24|agency=AFP|date=10 November 2017}} On 11 November, ISIL managed to fully recapture the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20171111-fierce-fightback-rescue-last-syrian-urban-bastion|title=IS in fierce fightback to rescue last Syrian urban bastion|publisher=France 24|agency=AFP|date=11 November 2017}}

On 17 November, Syrian Army forces stormed the city again,{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} capturing it by 19 November.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/syria-army-allies-retake-albu-kamal-military-source-193119971.html|title=Syria army, allies retake Albu Kamal from IS: military source|agency=AFP|date=19 November 2017|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=25 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625063223/https://sports.yahoo.com/syria-army-allies-retake-albu-kamal-military-source-193119971.html|url-status=dead}} After the loss of both Al-Qa'im and Abu Kamal, ISIL relocated its de facto capital to the Syrian city of Hajin.{{cite web|url=https://www.difesaesicurezza.com/en/defence/syria-the-isis-pockets-of-resistance-at-deir-ezzor-are-reduced-to-two/|title=Syria, the Isis pockets of resistance at Deir Ezzor are reduced to two|author=Francesco Bussoletti|publisher=Difesa & Sicurezza|date=29 June 2018|access-date=6 July 2018}}

Fighting in the surrounding countryside of Abu Kamal continued until 28 November. Between 16 and 28 November 399 fighters on both sides were killed.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=79559 More casualties raise to about 400, the number of people who were killed by the regime forces and their allies and ISIS members within 13 consecutive days of intense fighting] During this time, government forces advanced along the western bank of the Euphrates,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=79093 After holding their control over Al-Bokamal city…the regime forces and their allied start the last stage of ending the presence of ISIS in the west of the Euphrates River] so to besiege a pocket of ISIL territory southeast of Mayadin.{{Cite web |url=http://qasioun-news.com/en/news/show/111145 |title=Syrian Regime Seizes Kashme … And Reach Abu Hamam Outskirts Eastern Deir Ezzor |access-date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=2 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202053306/http://qasioun-news.com/en/news/show/111145 |url-status=dead }} The pocket was surrounded on 21 November,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=79128 The regime forces and allied forces achieve a significant advancement on the banks of the Euphrates River and reduce the control of the “Islamic State” organization east of Deir Ezzor] and in the following days the Army slowly cleared it.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-rolling-deir-ezzor-liberates-two-towns-isis/ |title=Syrian Army keeps rolling in Deir Ezzor, liberates two towns from ISIS |access-date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=15 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615214106/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-rolling-deir-ezzor-liberates-two-towns-isis/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-faces-imminent-defeat-deir-ezzor-pocket-shrinks-map/ |title=ISIS faces imminent defeat as their Deir Ezzor pocket shrinks – map |access-date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613162304/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-faces-imminent-defeat-deir-ezzor-pocket-shrinks-map/ |url-status=dead }} By 28 November, the pocket was eliminated{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-eliminates-another-pocket-southeast-deir-ezzor-map/ |title=Syrian Army eliminates another IS pocket in southeast Deir Ezzor – map |access-date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613190930/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-eliminates-another-pocket-southeast-deir-ezzor-map/ |url-status=dead }} and the town of Al-Quriyah was captured.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-another-town-along-euphrates-river/ |title=Breaking: Syrian Army liberates another town along the Euphrates River |access-date=1 December 2017 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622153306/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-liberates-another-town-along-euphrates-river/ |url-status=dead }}

The military then continued with its operations to link up forces advancing southeast of Mayadin with those at Abu Kamal.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-brink-splitting-last-bastion-deir-ezzor-map/ |title=Syrian Army is on the brink of splitting last IS bastion in Deir Ezzor – map |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613162103/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-brink-splitting-last-bastion-deir-ezzor-map/ |url-status=dead }} By 5 December, they were 10 kilometers from achieving this{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-cusp-final-victory-isis-eastern-syria/ |title=Breaking: Syrian Army on the cusp of final victory over ISIS in eastern Syria |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622151226/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-cusp-final-victory-isis-eastern-syria/ |url-status=dead }} and on 6 December the link-up came,{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/damascus-baghdad-syrian-army-liberates-entire-western-bank-euphrates-river/ |title=Damascus to Baghdad: Syrian Army liberates entire western bank of the Euphrates River |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-date=22 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622151229/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/damascus-baghdad-syrian-army-liberates-entire-western-bank-euphrates-river/ |url-status=dead }} with the whole western bank of the Euphrates cleared[https://www.france24.com/en/20171207-syria-army-clears-last-pockets-west-euphrates-monitor Syria army clears last IS pockets west of Euphrates: monitor] (AFP, 7 December 2017)[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=80145 With the continuation of military operations east of Euphrates River, the media of the regime, Russia and their loyal media spread false news about controlling the entire both banks of Euphrates] after IS forces retreated to the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-battle-update-southeast-deir-ezzor/ |title=Complete battle update from southeast Deir Ezzor |access-date=7 December 2017 |archive-date=13 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613185417/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/complete-battle-update-southeast-deir-ezzor/ |url-status=dead }} During the final push along the Euphrates, large numbers of ISIL suicide car bombers were sent against the advancing government forces, inflicting heavy casualties on the Army.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/packs-isis-car-bombs-shatter-syrian-army-ranks-final-stage-deir-ezzor-offensive/ |title="Packs" of ISIS car bombs shatter Syrian Army ranks during final stage of Deir Ezzor offensive |access-date=8 December 2017 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614083322/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/packs-isis-car-bombs-shatter-syrian-army-ranks-final-stage-deir-ezzor-offensive/ |url-status=dead }} ISIL suicide and ground attacks continued[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=80221 Tens of casualties in the ranks of the regime forces and their allies and the organization in the attacks of the later in Homs and Deir Ezzor countryside to exhaust a confuse its opponents] between 6 and 17 December, with 67 government fighters and 52 ISIL militants being killed.[http://www.syriahr.com/2017/12/17/حوالي-70-قتيلاً-من-قوات-النظام-وحلفائها/ حوالي 70 قتيلاً من قوات النظام وحلفائها وأكثر من 50 قتيل من تنظيم “الدولة الإسلامية” خلال 12 يوماً من هجمات الأخير بعد خسارته لوجود في غرب الفرات] During this time, ISIL managed to recapture some territory, but on 17 December, government forces secured the whole western bank of the Euphrates once again after seizing the town of Al-Salihiyah, and besieging a large pocket of ISIL forces between the eastern Homs and western Deir ez-Zor Provinces, effectively ending the campaign.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-kicked-euphrates-river-valley-big-syrian-army-attack/ |title=ISIS kicked out of Euphrates River Valley after big Syrian Army attack |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708023930/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-kicked-euphrates-river-valley-big-syrian-army-attack/ |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Syrian Desert campaign (December 2017–present)}}

In early April 2018, ISIL forces in a pocket in the Homs Governorate employed an Inghimasi attack on the Shaer gas field near Palmyra. The battle lasted for several hours, with the attack eventually being repelled by the Syrian army with assistance of Russian attack helicopters.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/confirmed-isis-launches-deep-infiltration-assault-on-syrian-army-at-key-gas-field-in-east-homs-details/ |title=Confirmed: ISIS launches deep infiltration assault on Syrian Army at key gas field in east Homs – details |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402182226/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/confirmed-isis-launches-deep-infiltration-assault-on-syrian-army-at-key-gas-field-in-east-homs-details/ |url-status=dead }}

On 23 May 2018, ISIL militants attacked a Syrian army base in Mayadeen in Deir Ezzor province. SOHR claimed that 35 pro-government forces killed, including at least nine Russians. According to Russian ministry of defence, at least four Russian soldiers and 43 attackers were killed during fighting.{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-isis-russian-soldiers-killed-suprise-attack-deir-ezzor-a8373296.html|title=Russian soldiers killed in surprise Isis attack in Syria|work=The Independent|access-date=2018-06-08|language=en-GB}}

On 20 June 2018, after a massive offensive by the Syrian Army, supported by Hezbollah and the Russian air force, which lasted several days, The Syrian Defence Ministry and the Syrian Army claimed that they and their allies had recaptured the entire ISIL pocket in the Homs-Deir ez-Zor region, recapturing 1,500 km² of land and also killing at least 50 ISIL militants.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-dozens-syrian-army-tanks-shatter-isis-defensive-line-homs-desert/ |title=VIDEO: Dozens of Syrian Army tanks shatter ISIS defensive line in Homs desert |access-date=1 September 2018 |archive-date=2 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902014840/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/video-dozens-syrian-army-tanks-shatter-isis-defensive-line-homs-desert/ |url-status=dead }}[https://english.enabbaladi.net/archives/2018/09/palestinian-liwa-al-quds-initiates-military-operation-in-rural-homs/ Palestinian “Liwa al-Quds” Initiates Military Operation in Rural Homs]{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-fully-liberates-isis-pocket-in-southern-deir-ezzor/|title=Breaking: Syrian Army fully liberates ISIS pocket in southern Deir Ezzor|author=Leith Aboufadel|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=20 June 2018|access-date=5 July 2018|archive-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402182237/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-syrian-army-fully-liberates-isis-pocket-in-southern-deir-ezzor/|url-status=dead}} However, these statements by the Syrian army appeared to be premature, as ISIL attacks from the Deir ez-Zor desert on Syrian Government positions around the Euphrates River continued during the entire summer, during which dozens of Syrian Army soldiers were killed; some estimates by the local observers are that up to 1,000 ISIL fighters are still hiding in the Homs-Deir ez-zor desert pocket. On 31 August, the Syrian Army and pro-government Palestinian militia Liwa al Quds launched a massive anti-terrorist operation in the Homs-Deir ez-Zor desert, with the objective to recapture the entire ISIL desert pocket; since ISIL fighters are located in the open desert terrain, without any natural defensive positions, they probably won't be able to hold their positions in the desert very long, because they are vulnerable to massive Syrian and Russian airstrikes. ISIL fell back far in the desert to try and escape the offensive.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-suffers-major-setback-in-deir-ezzor-as-syrian-troops-rapidly-advance-map/ |title=ISIS suffers major setback in Deir Ezzor as Syrian troops rapidly advance – map |access-date=17 September 2018 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402182257/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-suffers-major-setback-in-deir-ezzor-as-syrian-troops-rapidly-advance-map/ |url-status=dead }} On 16 September 2018, ISIL yet again overran the SAA lines and re-entered most of the desert area, killing at least 25 government soldiers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isils-offensive-proves-successful-as-they-roll-back-syrian-army-troops-in-west-deir-ezzor/ |title=ISIL's offensive proves successful as they roll back Syrian Army troops in west Deir Ezzor |access-date=17 September 2018 |archive-date=2 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402183911/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isils-offensive-proves-successful-as-they-roll-back-syrian-army-troops-in-west-deir-ezzor/ |url-status=dead }}

{{Portal|Asia}}

• Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)
• Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)
• Central Syria campaign (2017)

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{Cite journal |title = Weekly Conflict Summary. August 31 - September 06, 2017 |url= https://www.cartercenter.org/resources/pdfs/peace/conflict_resolution/syria-conflict/weeklyconflictsummaryfinal2017.08.31-09.06.pdf |date = 6 September 2017 |journal = Carter Center |ref ={{harvid|Carter Center|2017}} }}

{{refend}}

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Eastern Syria campaign (2017 09-12)}}

Category:Campaigns of the Syrian civil war

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2017

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 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:September 2017 in Syria

Category:October 2017 in Syria

Category:November 2017 in Syria

Category:Deir ez-Zor Governorate in the Syrian civil war