MOSCOW, December 4 (Sputnik) – Syrian activists say Islamic State militants have launched an overnight attack on the last major Syrian military air base in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour on Thursday, reports Associated Press.
The airfield is a main military facility for the Syrian government, giving army warplanes a hub from which to attack IS-held cities and towns across much of eastern Syria. Seizing the airport would significantly reduce the army's presence in the area and provide a major morale and propaganda boost for the Islamic State, which has seen a string of setbacks in recent weeks, as reported by AP.
The Observatory said Thursday that at least 19 government troops have been killed in the combat, with a suicide bombing on a Syrian military position near the air base. It also reported that seven IS fighters have been killed.
"They are trying to take the airport," said Observatory director Rami Abdurrahman. "This is a bigger attack from IS."