One week after capturing the village of Khattab in northeast Homs, the Syrian Arab Army’s 18th Armored Division – in cooperation with Liwaa Suqour Al-Sahra (Falcons of the Desert Brigade) – has asserted full-control over Al-Masheerfa, following fierce clashes with the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) on the Hama border.

Reports confirmed that over 40 ISIS fighters were killed during this operation, including their Saudi field commander “Abu ‘Issa Al-Jazrawi.”

In conjunction with their success at Al-Masheerfa, the 18th Armored Division also broke-through ISIS’ frontline defenses at Raas Al-Maqta (neighboring the village of ‘Umm Al-Sirraj); this resulted in the 18th Division securing the southern entrance into this fortified village.

Sources from the 18th Armed Division in northeast Homs have confirmed the capture of Tal Maqta directly after they were able to secure the southern entrance to Raas Al-Maqta.