Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017)

Free Syrian Army technical in the eastern Qalamoun Mountains

Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017)

The Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017) was a series of military operations in the Syrian Civil War, primarily conducted in the vast desert expanse in central and eastern Syria. This campaign marked a significant phase in the conflict, involving multiple factions with the aim of controlling strategic areas within the Syrian Desert, also known as the Badiyat ash-Sham. The operations were characterized by the involvement of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA), various rebel groups, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and international coalitions, each seeking to expand their influence or reclaim territories.

Background

The Syrian Desert, covering a large part of Syria, has been a critical battleground in the Syrian Civil War. Its strategic importance lies in its location, acting as a crossroad connecting the Syrian provinces and neighboring countries. Before the campaign, ISIL had established a significant presence in the desert, controlling key routes and territories.

Campaign Overview

The campaign commenced in December 2016, with the Syrian Arab Army and its allies aiming to recapture territory from ISIL and secure vital supply lines. The operations were focused around several key locations, including the ancient city of Palmyra, which had changed hands multiple times during the conflict.

Throughout the campaign, the SAA and its allies, including Hezbollah and Russian forces, conducted numerous offensives against ISIL positions. These operations were met with stiff resistance, as ISIL deployed guerrilla tactics and counterattacks to retain control over its territories.

Major Battles

One of the pivotal battles of this campaign was the battle for Palmyra. ISIL had recaptured the city in December 2016, prompting a concerted effort by the SAA and its allies to reclaim it. The battle saw intense fighting, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The SAA eventually recaptured Palmyra in March 2017, marking a strategic victory in the campaign.

Another significant operation was the advance towards the Deir ez-Zor province, an area under siege by ISIL since 2014. The SAA aimed to break the siege and relieve the trapped forces and civilians in the province.

Aftermath

The Syrian Desert campaign (December 2016–April 2017) had significant implications for the Syrian Civil War. The recapture of Palmyra and advances in the desert disrupted ISIL's supply lines and weakened its control over the region. However, the victory was not decisive, as ISIL continued to launch counterattacks and maintain a presence in the desert.

The campaign also highlighted the complex dynamics of the Syrian Civil War, with various factions pursuing their objectives and the involvement of international actors complicating the conflict further.

See Also

• Syrian Civil War
• Battle of Palmyra (2017)
• Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
• Syrian Arab Army