Moments ago, the Syrian Arab Army’s “Tiger Forces” – in coordination with Liwaa Suqour Al-Sahra (Desert Hawks Brigade) – captured the Ancient Quarries in the northwestern countryside of Palmyra after fierce clashes this morning with the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS).

According to a military source in east Homs, the Tiger Forces are officially less than 2 kilometers away from the Qassoun Checkpoint that leads to the Qassoun Mountains of Palmyra.

However, it should be noted: the Syrian Armed Forces appear to be maneuvering around the ancient city in order to position themselves outside of the village of Al-‘Amariyah to the north and the Palmyra farms to the south; this will allow for the Syrian Armed Forces to flank the terrorist group inside the city’s parameters.

Fierce clashes are currently taking place between the Syrian Arab Army’s 63rd Brigade of the 18th Tank Division and ISIS in the southwestern countryside of Palmyra – the majority of these firefights have been reported southeast of the Palmyra Driving School, which is a site that the Syrian Armed Forces captured three days ago.

Meanwhile, at the Farqalus and Qarateen fronts, ISIS’ is still on the offensive at the towns in east Homs, as they seek to break-through the Syrian Armed Forces frontline defenses – currently, they are positioned outside of these towns and have not been able to enter.