After 5 days of violent firefights, suicide bombings, and multiple rockets and mortar shells fired on Tabqa Airbase, the embattled Syrian Army soldiers have liberated the M-42 Highway leading to the city of Salamiyyah in the Hama Governate. The M-42 Highway was declared open for access around 3 P.M. Damascus Time, when an armored brigade successfully routed the militants north. The Syrian Air Force provided much needed support from the air, as they carried out numerous airstrikes on I.S. positions. The opening of the M-42 highway allows for easy access to the base for supply convoys and reinforcements.

Fierce clashes were reported southeast of the base at Safsaf Farms, where the determined Islamic State militants continue to besiege Al-Tabqa. Despite the violent firefights, the Islamic State has been unable to gain ground near the base. Meanwhile northwest of the base, the Syrian Air Force attacked an I.S. stronghold south of Lake Assad.

Syrian TV correspondents arrived at Tabqa Airbase this morning to film and report from inside of the Tabqa Airbase. The correspondents interviewed members of the Syrian Arab Army, who later gave them a tour of the base and the armory used against enemy combatants. The footage was aired immediately on Syrian TV after their correspondent departed from the Ar-Raqqa Governate.