On April 25, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and the National Defense Forces (NDF) took control of the Bala Al-Kadhima region of the East Ghouta, following heavy clashes with Jaysh Al-Islam and allied militant units. The control of Bala Al-Kadhima allows the government forces to split the militant forces in the region and cut off the supplies to Deir Al-‘Assafir and Zibdeen. Now, the Syrian forces are going to advance on Harasta Qantara and Hawsh Jarabo.

The SAA and the allies are advancing in the province of Homs with special attention to the Palmyra-Deir Ezzor highway. Following the recent gains near Palmyra, the Syrian forces deployed near the ISIS-controlled town of ‘Arak. If the oil-rich town is liberated, the next expected target of the loyalists is T-3 Military Airport.

Iraq’s forces continue military operations in the province of Anbar. Following the liberation of the Hit city, they are advancing inside the ISIS-controlled village of Dulab, which is located between Al-Bagdhadi and Hit.

Iraqi volunteer forces engaged in clashes with Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in the town of Tuz Khurmatu during the late hours of April 23. 9 people were killed and 30 others wounded during the fighting that broke out when a small explosion near the positions of the two sides sparked shootings between the communities in neighborhoods across the town. The death clashes continued on Sunday. The two sides’ delegations have been reportedly holding discussions in Tuz Khurmatu since late Sunday as military reinforcements are reportedly gathering outside the town.