On Friday afternoon, the Syrian Arab Army’s “Cheetah Forces” (Tiger Forces Unit) – in coordination with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – surprised the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) with a powerful assault on their stronghold at Jabboul City in the Aleppo Governorate’s eastern countryside, killing a confirmed 26 enemy combatants and destroying 4 armored vehicles mounted with a 23mm anti-aircraft machine gun.

In order to enter this ISIS stronghold, the Cheetah Forces needed sufficient air cover; this was provided by the Russian Air Force, who not only provided this air cover, but also, forced the terrorist group to tactically retreat from the city-center to the eastern district in order to avoid the relentless onslaught from the fighter jets swarming their defensive positions.

Following a brief firefight with ISIS at the east district, the Syrian Armed Forces imposed full-control over Jabboul City, marking the first time in three years that they have not only entered this city, but also, advanced this deep into the Aleppo Governorate’s eastern countryside.

The Syrian Armed Forces are now 3 villages away from the besieged Kuweires Military Airport inside the Deir Hafer Plains; however, despite their recent advances in east Aleppo, the SAA’s progress has not forestalled the terrorist group from carrying out daily attacks on this airbase.