20 Syrian soldiers killed in suicide attack as ISIS retakes important hill in central Syria

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (8:30 P.M.) – On Sunday, ISIS insurgents launched a localised counter-attack in the eastern countryside of Homs, targeting the newly liberated Al-Mashirfah hill that overlooks the long-standing government fortification of Jubb Al-Jarrah.

Preluded by a succesful suicide bombing, an elite ISIS Inghimasi unit assaulted the government-held hilltop which is located some 60 kilometers east of the provincial capital.

As fierce firefights continued for several hours, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) finally withdrew from the strategic point on Sunday afternoon. Amaq Agency claimed 20 SAA soldiers were killed following the attack, primarily due to the initial car bombing.

Upon enquiring with a military source stationed in the area, Al-Masdar News was informed that the hill had indeed fallen although the alleged death toll could not be confirmed.

The SAA is now regrouping for a counter-attack to recapture Al-Mashirfah hill which nevertheless remains under firm Islamic State control for now.

Since launching a large-scale government offensive earlier this month, the SAA’s Desert Hawks Brigade, Military Shield Forces and National Defence Forces have liberated a handful of villages across the provincial border between Homs and Hama, a region representing a massive ISIS salient that stretches across much of central Syria.