Moments ago, the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) imposed full control over the desert-town of Maheen in the Homs Governorate’s eastern countryside after intense firefights with the National Defense Forces (NDF) and the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP).

The terrorist group began their assault at Maheen’s eastern perimeter by launching two VBIED (Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device) attacks on the only National Defense Forces checkpoint located outside of the town; these suicide attacks proved successful, as they killed 4 NDF and 2 Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers.

Following the successful VBIED attacks outside of Maheen, ISIS launched an assault on the National Defense Forces’ positions inside the desert-town; this midnight attack resulted in the terrorist group overrunning the pro-government forces’ frontlines and taking full control of Maheen’s eastern district.

Not long after penetrating into Maheen, ISIS was able to impose full control over the entire desert-town, as the National Defense Forces and Palestine Liberation Army were forced to withdraw to the near Christian city of Sadad in order to avoid capture.

With Maheen captured, the Syrian Armed Forces face a looming threat at the predominately Christian city of Sadad; this is not only a minority populated city, but also, strategically located along the crucial Homs-Damascus Highway that was reopened last year after the 1st Qalamoun offensive.

Two days ago, the National Defense Forces launched an assault along the Maheen-Quraytayn Road in order to recapture several points from the terrorist group; however, this attack was repelled by ISIS and countered tonight.