Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019)

Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019) was a major military operation launched by the Syrian Arab Army and its allies, including Russian Armed Forces, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Hezbollah, against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, Syria. The campaign was part of the larger Syrian Civil War and involved key battles such as the Battle of Deir ez-Zor (2017), Raqqa campaign (2016–2017), and Palmyra offensive (2017). The operation aimed to capture Deir ez-Zor city and surrounding areas, which were under ISIL control since 2014. The campaign also involved cooperation with the United States-led coalition and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

Background

The Deir ez-Zor Governorate had been a key stronghold for ISIL since 2014, with the group controlling major cities such as Deir ez-Zor city and Mayadin. The Syrian Arab Army had maintained a presence in the governorate, but its control was limited to a few areas, including the Deir ez-Zor Airbase and the city of Qamishli. The Russian Armed Forces had also been involved in the conflict, providing air support to the Syrian Arab Army through operations such as the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah had also played a significant role in the conflict, providing military support to the Syrian Arab Army in battles such as the Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016) and the Battle of Qalamoun (2013–2014).

The Campaign

The Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019) began in September 2017, with the Syrian Arab Army and its allies launching a major offensive against ISIL in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate. The campaign involved key battles such as the Battle of Deir ez-Zor (2017), which resulted in the capture of Deir ez-Zor city by the Syrian Arab Army and its allies. The Russian Armed Forces provided significant air support to the Syrian Arab Army during the campaign, with operations such as the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War playing a key role in the outcome of the battle. The United States-led coalition also provided air support to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces during the campaign, with operations such as the Raqqa campaign (2016–2017) and the Deir ez-Zor offensive (2017–2018).

Military Operations

The military operations during the Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019) involved a range of tactics and strategies, including ground assaults, air support, and sieges. The Syrian Arab Army and its allies used tactics such as the pincer movement and the encirclement to capture key cities and towns, including Deir ez-Zor city and Mayadin. The Russian Armed Forces provided significant air support to the Syrian Arab Army during the campaign, with operations such as the Kabul offensive (2015) and the Palmyra offensive (2016) providing valuable experience and lessons for the Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019). The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah also played a significant role in the military operations, providing military support to the Syrian Arab Army in battles such as the Battle of Zabadani (2015) and the Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016).

Aftermath

The aftermath of the Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019) saw the Syrian Arab Army and its allies capture Deir ez-Zor city and surrounding areas, marking a significant victory for the Bashar al-Assad regime. The campaign also resulted in the defeat of ISIL in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate, with the group losing control of its last major stronghold in Syria. The United States-led coalition and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces also achieved significant victories during the campaign, capturing key cities such as Raqqa and Hajin. The Russian Armed Forces and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps continued to play a significant role in the conflict, providing military support to the Syrian Arab Army in battles such as the Northwestern Syria offensive (2019–2020) and the Idlib demilitarization (2018–2019).

Casualties and Humanitarian Situation

The Deir ez-Zor campaign (2017–2019) resulted in significant casualties and a major humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians displaced or killed during the conflict. The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, provided significant aid and support to affected civilians, including those in Deir ez-Zor city and surrounding areas. The Syrian Arab Army and its allies, including the Russian Armed Forces and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, were accused of committing war crimes and human rights abuses during the campaign, including the use of siege warfare and barrel bombing. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the United States-led coalition were also accused of committing human rights abuses, including the use of airstrikes and white phosphorus. Category:Conflicts in 2017 Category:Conflicts in 2018 Category:Conflicts in 2019 Category:Military campaigns Category:Syrian Civil War Category:Deir ez-Zor Governorate Category:Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War Category:Iranian involvement in the Syrian Civil War Category:Hezbollah involvement in the Syrian Civil War Category:United States-led coalition Category:Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces Category:ISIL Category:Bashar al-Assad Category:Syrian Arab Army