Syrian Arab Army reaches As-Suknah, last fortress before Deir Ez-Zor

For the Syrian Arab Army, the most important victory since Aleppo is within reach.

After securing Aleppo city from Al-Qaeda insurgents, deescalation zones were established between the Syrian Arab Army and the rebels in western Syria. The result has been the bulk of the Syrian Arab Army has been freed up to fight ISIS in Eastern Syria and rescue Deir Ez-Zor city.

Since the beginning of Operation Great Dawn, remarkable success has been made by the Syrian Arab Army against ISIS. The Syrian Arab Army has regained all lost territory in the eastern Aleppo countryside and has forced ISIS out of the majority of Raqqa province, reaching Deir Ez-Zor province for the first time in many years just days ago.

The key battles for control of eastern Syria are currently taking place in the Homs governate. First of such battles was liberating the Palmyra-Damascus highway; second was the liberation of Arak. The third and final battle on the Homs-Deir Ez-Zor highway is As-Sukhnah.

After As-Sukhnah, the last sizable town before Deir Ez-Zor will be taken. ISIS will completely crumble in Syria and be forced east of Deir Ez-Zor city.

Because of this, ISIS are currently fighting tooth and nail to hold As-Sukhnah. Conscription for all males between 20 and 30 have been legislated by ISIS, which will add to the manpower required to hold As-Sukhnah. ISIS have realised that unless they hold As-Sukhnah, their Caliphate will be destroyed.

For the Syrian Arab Army, As-Sukhnah is a great prize on the road to restoring Syrian sovereignty. After linking Deir Ez-Zor city with the rest of government-controlled Syria, no questions will remain about the legitimacy of Bashar Al-Assad's government.