Syria: Islamic State shells US base in Deir Ez-Zur Governorate late Dec. 17

Event

Emerging reports indicate that Islamic State (IS) had shelled a US military base near the Omar oil field in Deir Ez-Zur Governorate late Dec. 17. The incident follows another attack the same day; unidentified individuals targeted the Tanak oil field in eastern Deir Ez-Zur Governorate. There have been no immediate reports of casualties as a result of the attacks.

Context

Currently, a few hundred US troops remain in Syria, mainly in a peacekeeping role and to protect the oil and gas fields from IS. Despite the Syrian government's frequent airstrikes on IS hideouts, the group still maintains a strong presence in Syria. IS militants retain freedom of movement in the Syrian Desert, which spans most of Deir Ez-Zur and eastern Homs governorates. The group has likely taken advantage of the Syrian government's focus on fighting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to launch more attacks.