First day of 2022 | Russian jets execute over 25 airstrikes on the Syrian desert

SOHR activists have confirmed that the number of airstrike executed by Russian fighter jets on the Syrian desert on the first day of 2022 have exceeded 25, as the airstrikes targeted positions in Al-Rasafah and Atheriyah deserts.

A few hours ago, Russian fighter jets executed nearly ten airstrikes on ISIS hideouts in Al-Rusafa desert, north-east of Al-Raqqa, since the early hours of Saturday morning. No casualties were reported.

Yesterday, Observatory sources reported that eight Russian helicopters arrived at Palmyra military airport from Russia’s Hmeimim base in Lattakia province.

On the other hand, a convoy of joint forces of the “Fifth Corps” and “Liwaa Al-Quds”, comprising 100 soldiers, armoured vehicles, and tanks, headed from Deir Ezzor to Palmyra in eastern Homs countryside, at Russia’ orders. The convoy was escorted by Russian helicopters.

According to SOHR sources, Russian forces intend to establish new military posts for the Russian-backed “Fifth Corps” and “Liwaa Al-Quds” in Palmyra city and its desert with the aim to compete with Iranian-backed militias which are also deployed in that region in large groups.

Moreover, Russian forces intend to launch a large-scale military campaign under direct supervision of Russian officers only to search for ISIS members hidden in Palmyra desert, as they have been more active and numerous throughout the Syrian desert in recent times.