The offensive
On 5 November, Syrian government forces launched the offensive from the Mahin-Sadad checkpoint and recaptured the Tal Sinni, Tal Hazim, and Al-Wastani hilltops, after clashes with ISIL. [1] Two days later, they carried out an assault at the eastern slopes of the Jabal Al-Hiyal Mountains, seizing several points and advanced to east towards the ancient city of Palmyra. [2]
On 14 November, Syrian government forces captured the hilltop of Tal Hazim Al-Thalatha. [3] Additionally, two days later, they seized the Tal Syriatel, Jabal Ma'ar, Al-Bayarat, the Ancient Palmyra Quarries, Al-Kassarat and Al-Dawa area outside the city of Palmyra after a series of intense firefights with ISIL. [10] [23]
On 17 November, Syrian government troops captured the Jabal Al-Hazzm Mountains along the Sadad-Mahin Road and the small village of Al-Hadath to north of the ISIL-held town of Mahin. [4] Four days later, they seized the village of Huwwarin and the strategic hill the Tal Daher. [5] Later, the military captured the large Army Storage Base near Mahin. [6] [24] [25] On the next day, government forces captured the Jabal Maheen Mountains and parts of Mahin, [7] [26] which was fully secured by 23 November, as ISIL retreated to the town Al-Qaryatayn. [8] On the same day, the Army also took control of the Al-Qadri Farms and the Hayyan Mountains, positioning them approximately 4 km away from the western gates of Palmyra, as well as 2 km away from the Qatari Villa near the Homs-Deir Ezzor Highway. [11]
On 25 November, Syrian government forces advance in the vicinity of Al-Qaryatayn and took control of Tel Al-Dekan, Tel Um Kadom, Tel Masayed hills in the surroundings of the town. [9] [27]
On 28 November, Syrian government forces, backed by the Russian Air Force, advanced and captured the small villages of Muntar Armilah and Thaniyah, just a few kilometers away from Al-Qaryatayn, along the Mahin-Quryatayn Road. [12]
On 7 December, Syrian government forces imposed full control over the strategic Palmyra-Homs Highway after seizing the villages of Al-Bayarat and Marhatten in the western countryside of the ancient city of Palmyra. [13]
On 10 December, ISIL recaptured the towns of Mahin and Huwwarin, and two hills, after launching a counter-offensive. [28] [29] Later, government forces counter-attacked and reportedly partially recaptured the town of Huwwarin. [30] Five days later, ISIL recaptured Hadath. [31]
On 19 December, Syrian government forces approached the Palmyra Castle, after a violent battle with ISIL. This latest advance brought them within 400 meters of the castle, and less than 2 km from the city's gates. [14] On the same day, Syrian government forces recaptured the 5th Precinct of Mahin, after a fierce battle with ISIL. [32]
On 20 December, Syrian government forces recaptured the Mahin-Sadad Checkpoint after ISIS retreats towards Mahin. [33]
On 23 December, Syrian government forces recaptured the village of Hadath. [34] [35] Later, government forces imposed full control over Jabal Al-Hazzm, Jabal Maheen Al-Kabeer, and Al-Kazeeya, after an intense battle with the ISIL near the strategic town of Mahin. [36]
On 27 December, Syrian government forces recaptured the town of Huwwarin. [37] [38]
On 29 December, Syrian government forces imposed full control over the Mahin Warehouses and Jabal Mahin (Mahin Mountain), which overlooked Mahin. [15] Later on that day, the Syrian Army recaptured the town of Mahin. [18] [39] [40] [41]
The military situation in & around the Homs Governorate.
Syria 
Hezbollah 
SSNP [16] 
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant 
