The Syrian Army and pro-government militias cleaned Al-Qaryatayn, the Christian city south of Homs governorate, of the ISIS units. The area's largest group of terrorists based itself there. The Syrian armed forces initiated the attack right after Palmyra was made free.

As soon as the battle stopped within the city boundaries, the troops of the Syrian army went at clearing the suburbs of the metropolis. Deminers inspected all streets and buildings for explosive devices and deactivated them.

Having liberated Al-Qaryatayn, the Syrian Army soldiers and militia men were singing and celebrating the victory.

The regained control over Al-Qaryatayn is of strategic importance for Syria, assures Boutros, the field commander of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party, who commanded the militias during the ancient city's liberation operation.

Boutros considers that Al-Qaryatayn is imperative due to it geo location, as it lies near the government thoroughfare, Damask to Palmyra. The city freedom is also of ultimate significance for the further movement of the national army to the north, to Al-Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor. Boutros also mentioned, that in order to avoid the ISIS units backdoor attack, they have to destroy Daesh bastions up to Palmyra in the mountain range of the eastern Qalamoun.

Boutros mentioned that one more settlement in the eastern Qalamoun - Khanafis – was captured by the terrorists. He added that before attacking Al-Raqqah and Deir ez-Zor, his troops may as well be ordered to liberate Khanafis.