At least 14 Syrian soldiers were killed and several others injured on Tuesday in a deadly ambush by the Daesh group in the Syrian desert, near the ancient city of Palmyra.
This marks the second major attack by the group against government forces this year, highlighting the continuing threat posed by Daesh remnants despite their territorial defeat in 2019.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitor, reported the attack, stating that an Daesh group assault on a military bus in the desert resulted in the high casualties. The Syrian Defense Ministry later confirmed the attack but provided a lower death toll, claiming eight soldiers perished in the “terrorist attack.”
This comes on the heels of another Daesh attack last week, where nine government soldiers and militiamen were killed in an assault on military outposts in the eastern desert. These incidents underscore the group’s persistent ability to launch hit-and-run attacks and ambushes, primarily from desert hideouts, targeting both pro-government forces and Kurdish-led militants.
Daesh group’s rise to power in 2014 saw the establishment of a self-proclaimed “caliphate” across large swathes of Syria and Iraq, marked by a reign of terror. While territorial defeat followed in 2019, the group’s remnants continue to pose a significant threat, despite operating in the shadows.
The ongoing Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 after the brutal suppression of anti-government protests in Damascus, has claimed the lives of over half a million people. The conflict has caused widespread devastation and displacement, with millions still living in precarious conditions both within Syria and as refugees abroad.
The recent attacks by Daesh serve as a grim reminder of the challenges facing Syria’s fragile peace. While the initial focus may be on securing the immediate safety of troops and civilians, addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering long-term reconciliation remain crucial steps towards ensuring lasting stability in the region.
