IDLIB, Syria — The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said in a Dec. 4 report, “Military operations are ongoing in separate axes in the Syrian desert between the [Syrian] regime forces and the militias loyal to it on the one hand, and the Islamic State (IS) on the other. The clashes between the two sides are mostly concentrated in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle, and to a lesser extent in the deserts of Deir Ez-Zor and Homs. The group seeks to maintain its activity in the area, by continuing its attacks, ambushes, and explosions. Meanwhile, the regime forces are doing their best to limit IS’ activity, with Russian support, through intense airstrikes.”

According to SOHR, since the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced their control of Baghouz village, IS’ last stronghold, on March 24, 2019, the human losses amounted to 1,020 deaths from the regime forces and the militants loyal to it of both Syrian and non-Syrian nationalities, two of whom were Russians; in addition to 140 deaths from non-Syrian pro-Iranian militias, all of whom were killed during IS attacks, bombings and ambushes in the west of the Euphrates, the desert of Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Homs and Suwayda.

The report also mentioned 562 deaths in IS’ ranks, during the same period.

Khalil al-Muqdad, a researcher on jihadist groups affairs, currently residing in Qatar, told Al-Monitor, “After losing its last stronghold in Baghouz, IS changed its strategy and reorganized its ranks, relying instead on ambushes and guerrilla warfare to eliminate its opponents. The group quickly started activating its cells and members that have redeployed in several areas. It targeted members and headquarters of the SDF, which led the campaign against IS with air and logistical support from the [US-led] international coalition. The group seems keen on pursuing this process and accelerating its pace by targeting regime convoys and Iranian militias, as well as allied militias, such as Liwa al-Quds [Jerusalem Brigade] and the National Defense Forces. It managed to inflict heavy losses in their ranks, then moved to attack detachments, fixed barracks and guard posts, especially in the vicinity of oil fields. This escalation coincided with an increase in the pace of operations in Iraq as well, as the group there [also] activated its guerrilla strategy.”