Deadly Daesh Attack Kills 15 Syrian Troops in Eastern Homs

On Friday, attack, forces militants launched a deadly assault on three military positions in the eastern Homs countryside of Syria, killing at least 15 pro-government fighters, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The attack is the latest in a series of similar incidents by remnants of the extremist group, which has persisted in launching lethal attacks despite being territorially defeated in Syria in 2019.

Why this matters: The persistence of Daesh attacks in Syria highlights the ongoing threat to regional stability and global security, as theexperts, group, still, thousands, poses, threat continues to adapt and rebuild its capabilities. This latest incident underscores the need for sustained international efforts to counter the group's ideology and prevent its resurgence.

The attack occurred in the Syrian desert and led to armed clashes between the militants and government forces. Among the victims were members of the Quds Brigade, a faction consisting of Palestinian fighters backed by Moscow's ally, Damascus. later reported that the death toll had risen to 17.

In a separate incident last month, Daesh militants killed 28 Syrian soldiers and affiliated pro-government fighters in attacks on government-held areas. The extremists' onslaught included firing on a military bus in eastern Homs province, resulting in casualties, as well as anon a base in eastern Syria that claimed the lives of six Syrian soldiers.

Daesh had seized control over significant portions of Syria and Iraq in 2014, establishing a self-proclaimed caliphate and instigating widespread terror. Despite its territorial defeat, the group's attacks are not limited to military targets but also extend to civilian activities, such as hunting for desert truffles, a valuable commodity in the region.

The Syrian conflict, which has caused immense human suffering and displacements since its eruption in 2011, continues to be exacerbated by Daesh's actions. A recent report by UN experts monitoring sanctions against the group stated that it still commands between 5,000 and 7,000 members across its former stronghold in Syria and Iraq.

The experts warned that despite significant losses in leadership and reduced activity, the risk of Daesh's resurgence remains. The group has adapted its strategy, embedding itself with local populations and exercising caution in choosing battles to minimize losses while rebuilding and recruiting from camps in northeast Syria and vulnerable communities in neighboring countries.

Friday's attack in eastern Homs serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Daesh, even as Syria grapples with a complex web of conflicts that have engulfed the region. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the need for a comprehensive approach to counter the group's persistent threat remains paramount.

Key Takeaways

• Daesh militants killed 15 pro-government fighters in eastern Homs, Syria.
• The attack is the latest in a series of incidents by the extremist group.
• Daesh still has 5,000-7,000 members in Syria and Iraq, posing a threat.
• The group has adapted its strategy, embedding itself with local populations.
• A comprehensive approach is needed to counter Daesh's persistent threat.