04 Jul 2020 | 10:54 PM UTC
Syria: Heavy fighting between IS militants and government forces kills dozens in Homs province July 2-4
Dozens killed in fierce clashes between IS militants and Syrian regime forces in Homs province between July 2-4; further clashes expected over the near term
Event
Clashes between Islamic State (IS) militants and Syrian government forces in Homs province from Thursday, July 2, to Saturday, July 4, resulted in over 40 deaths. The clashes began on Thursday night near the town of Al-Sukhnah when militants assaulted regime positions. War monitoring sources have reported 26 militant and 18 pro-government forces fatalities in the fighting.
Further clashes are possible in the area in the coming days.
Context
To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including IS) with competing goals. Despite IS losing control of the territory it previously held across the Syrian-Iraqi border by March 2019, cells of militants have maintained a roving presence predominantly in Syria's desert regions.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
