US-backed Syrian Free Army advances in Homs, with reports of clashes with regime forces in Palmyra

The US-backed Syrian Free Army made further advances in Homs’ eastern countryside, with reports of ongoing clashes with Bashar Al-Assad’s regime forces in Palmyra, central Syria, on Friday evening, Anadolu Agency reports.

According to local sources, the Syrian Free Army, which operates in the Al-Tanf region at the crossroads of Syria, Iraq and Jordan, has made significant advances against regime forces in the eastern countryside of Homs.

The opposition group is currently battling regime forces south of Palmyra.

The US is providing logistical support to the group during its offensive against regime forces.

The Syrian Free Army operates as a separate entity from the Free Syrian Army (FSA), now known as the Syrian National Army, which was formed following the public uprisings in Syria.

Developments in Syria

Clashes between Syrian regime forces and anti-regime groups broke out on 27 November in Aleppo’s western countryside.

By 30 November, the opposition forces had taken control of most of Aleppo’s city centre and established dominance across Idlib province.

On 1 December, the Syrian National Army launched Operation Dawn of Freedom against the PKK/YPG terror group in the Tel Rifaat district of Aleppo’s countryside, liberating the area from terrorist elements.

Anti-regime forces captured Hama on Thursday and continued their advance on Friday, seizing Rastan and Talbiseh districts in Homs province.

READ: Iran, Hezbollah aim to bolster Syria’s Assad as rebels bear down on Homs