View source for Palmyra offensive (December 2016)

{{Short description|2016 military operation of the Syrian Civil War}}
{{For|the previous offensives|Palmyra offensive (May 2015)|Palmyra offensive (July–August 2015)|Palmyra offensive (March 2016)}}
{{For|the later offensives|Palmyra offensive (2017)|Palmyra offensive (2024)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict          = Palmyra offensive (December 2016)
| partof            = the [[Syrian Civil War]] <br /> [[Military intervention against ISIL]] <br /> [[Russian military intervention in Syria]]
| image             = Palmyra Offensive (December 2016).svg
| image_size        = 300px
| caption           = Map showing the territory captured by ISIL since 8 December 2016.
| date              = 8–22 December 2016<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=12|day1=8|year1=2016|month2=12|day2=22|year2=2016}})<ref name="foils">{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/syrian-army-foils-major-isis-attack-on-t4-military-airport-east-homs/|title=Syrian Army foils major ISIS attack on T4 Military Airport in Homs|publisher=ARA News|access-date=14 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224030830/http://aranews.net/2016/12/syrian-army-foils-major-isis-attack-on-t4-military-airport-east-homs/|archive-date=24 December 2016}}</ref>
| place             = [[Tadmur District]], Eastern [[Homs Governorate]], [[Syria]]
| territory         =
| result            = Partial ISIL victory
* ISIL captures Palmyra on 11 December,<ref name="11Dec2016capture"/> as well as nearby oil fields and mountains
* ISIL attack on the [[Tiyas Military Airbase]] fails,<ref name="foils"/> sporadic clashes continue around the airbase<ref name=SOHRInkhel/><ref name=vicinitySOHR/>
* Army starts a [[Eastern Homs offensive (January–February 2017)|counter-offensive]]<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/2017/02/03/قوات-النظام-تتقدم-نحو-الحقول-النفطية-ف-2/ قوات النظام تتقدم نحو الحقول النفطية في شرق حمص في اليوم السادس من تقدمها بعد أسابيع من الفشل في استعادة ما خسرته لصالح تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية"]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-massive-advances-isis-west-palmyra/ |title=Syrian Army makes massive advances against ISIS in west Palmyra |access-date=12 February 2017 |archive-date=7 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170207053505/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-massive-advances-isis-west-palmyra/  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-war-update-palmyra-front-february-3-2017-pro-government-breakthrough-jihar-liberated/ |title=Syrian War Update – Palmyra Front (February 3, 2017): Pro-Government Breakthrough, Jihar Liberated |access-date=12 February 2017 |archive-date=5 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205013217/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-war-update-palmyra-front-february-3-2017-pro-government-breakthrough-jihar-liberated/  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/large-syrian-army-attack-pays-off-isis-loses-several-sites-western-palmyra/ |title=Large Syrian Army attack pays off as ISIS loses several sites in western Palmyra |access-date=12 February 2017 |archive-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520204250/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/large-syrian-army-attack-pays-off-isis-loses-several-sites-western-palmyra/  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-hayyan-gas-fields-west-palmyra/ |title=Syrian Army liberates Hayyan Gas Fields in west Palmyra |access-date=12 February 2017 |archive-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520222103/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-hayyan-gas-fields-west-palmyra/  }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-overruns-isis-east-homs-map/ |title=Field Report: Syrian Army overruns ISIS in east Homs &#91;+Map&#93; |access-date=12 February 2017 |archive-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170520205401/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-overruns-isis-east-homs-map/  }}</ref>
| combatant1        = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} '''[[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]'''
| combatant2        = {{flagicon|Syria|1980}} '''[[Ba'athist Syria|Syria]]'''<br />
{{flag|Russia}} <br /> {{flag|Iran}}<ref name="IRGC officers">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/12/irgc-officers-killed-in-palmyra.php|title=IRGC officers killed in Palmyra|author=Amir Toumaj|work=Long War Journal|date=15 December 2016|access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref><br />''Allied militias:''<br /> {{flagicon image|Liwa Fatemiyoun infobox flag.png}}[[Liwa Fatemiyoun]]<ref name="IRGC officers" /><br />{{flagicon image|Liwa Zainebiyoun infobox flag.png}} [[Liwa Zainebiyoun]]<ref name="IRGC officers" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1bodQfXgAYXRiH.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=7 January 2017 |archive-date=9 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009222519/https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1bodQfXgAYXRiH.jpg  }}</ref><br />[[Kata'ib al-Imam Ali]]<ref name="IRGC officers" /><br />{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} [[Hezbollah]]<ref name="Hezbollah">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/hezbollah-reinforcements-pour-palmyra-countryside/|title=Hezbollah reinforcements pour into Palmyra countryside|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|date=16 December 2016|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-date=12 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012004550/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/hezbollah-reinforcements-pour-palmyra-countryside/}}</ref>
----
{{flagicon image|Seal of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.svg|border=no|size=19px}} '''[[Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve|CJTF–OIR]]'''
| commander1        = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} "al-Mukahal" Amr As'ad{{KIA}}<ref name="Amr">{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/american-airstrike-kills-isis-commander-near-palmyra/|title=American airstrike kills ISIS commander near Palmyra|author=Haytham Mustafa|date=17 December 2016|publisher=ARA News|access-date=23 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225114628/http://aranews.net/2016/12/american-airstrike-kills-isis-commander-near-palmyra/|archive-date=25 December 2016}}</ref><br />{{small|(Leading ISIL commander for Palmyra operations)}}<br /> {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Abu Jandal al-Kuwaiti]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/291220161|title=ISIS 'war committee' member killed in airstrike near Raqqa|date=29 December 2016|publisher=Rudaw|access-date=29 December 2016}}</ref><br />{{small|(ISIL senior commander, redeployed to [[Northern Raqqa offensive (November 2016–present)|Raqqa front]] after 11 December)}}<br />{{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Abu Hafs al-Mashrifi<ref name="IBtimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/isis-security-chief-homs-province-among-several-killed-latest-syrian-air-force-strikes-1600621|title=Isis security chief in Homs province among several killed in latest Syrian air force strikes|work=IB Times|date=12 January 2017}}</ref><br /><small>(ISIL Security Chief in Homs)</small><br />{{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} Umar As'ad{{KIA}}<ref name=Hadath/><ref name=Umar>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/top-isis-official-killed-near-palmyra/|title=Top ISIS official killed near Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=17 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220191349/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/top-isis-official-killed-near-palmyra/}}</ref><br />{{small|(ISIL top commander)}}
| commander2        = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} Col. Ali Shaheen<ref name="chronology">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fall-palmyra-chronology-events/|title=The fall of Palmyra: Chronology of the events|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|work=[[Al-Masdar News]]|date=20 December 2016|access-date=20 December 2016|archive-date=22 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222145348/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/fall-palmyra-chronology-events/}}</ref><br /><small>(leading operations commander 10–11 December)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} Maj. Gen. [[Suheil al-Hassan]]<ref name="Suheil">[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56967 The tiger reach Homs countryside to lead military operations against IS]</ref><br /><small>(leading operations commander since 14 December)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} Maj. Gen. Shawkat<ref name="chronology" /><br /><small>(Desert Commandos commander)</small><br />{{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} Brig. Gen. Hussein Khader{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57349|title=Two pilot officers killed, one of them is a "brigadier"|date=20 December 2016|access-date=20 December 2016|publisher=SOHR}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/worldonalert/status/811008719366606848|title=ISIS has killed Brigadier General Hussein Khader at Tiyas Airbase|access-date=20 December 2016}}</ref><br />[[File:Qalamoun Shield Forces infobox logo.png|16px]] Malek Shafiq Omar{{KIA}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/quwat-dir-al-qalamoun-shifting-militia-links/ |title=Quwat Dir' Al-Qalamoun: Shifting Militia Links |author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi |work=Syria Comment |date=17 January 2017|access-date=10 September 2017}}</ref><br /><small>(Qalamoun Shield commander)</small><br />{{flagicon|Russia}} Maj. Sanal Sanchirov{{KIA}}<ref name="major">{{cite web|url=http://en.news-4-u.ru/major-sanchirov-from-kalmykia-were-killed-in-syria-during-the-defense-of-palmyra-from-the-militants.html|title=Major Sanchirov from Kalmykia were killed in Syria during the defense of Palmyra from the militants|publisher=Last news from Russia|date=20 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803092423/http://en.news-4-u.ru/major-sanchirov-from-kalmykia-were-killed-in-syria-during-the-defense-of-palmyra-from-the-militants.html|archive-date=3 August 2017}}</ref><br />{{small|(Air Assault battalion commander)}}<br />{{flagicon|Iran}} Brig. Gen. Hassan Akbari{{KIA}}<ref name="IRGC officers" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57036|title=IS kills an Iranian commander in Tadmur|publisher=SOHR|date=15 December 2016|access-date=15 December 2016}}</ref><br />{{small|(IRGC Ground Forces commander)}}
| units1            = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} [[Military of ISIL]]
| units2            = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} [[Syrian Armed Forces]]
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Army.svg}} [[Syrian Army]]
** [[10th Mechanised Division (Syria)|10th Mechanised Division]]<ref name="Fifth Legion">{{cite web|url=http://www.joshualandis.com/blog/fifth-legion-new-auxiliary-force/|title=The Fifth Legion: A New Auxiliary Force|author=Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi|work=Syria Comment|date=24 December 2016|access-date=25 December 2016}}</ref>
** [[11th Armored Division (Syria)|11th Armoured Division]]<ref name="blitz">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fully-retakes-palmyra-stunning-blitz-offensive-map-update/|title=ISIS fully retakes Palmyra in stunning blitz offensive – Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=11 December 2016|publisher=al-Masdar News|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211223337/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-fully-retakes-palmyra-stunning-blitz-offensive-map-update/}}</ref>
** [[18th Armoured Division (Syria)|18th Armoured Division]]<ref name="blitz" />
** [[File:Syrian Republican Guard Symbol.svg|17px]] [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]
*** 800th Regiment<ref name="parachutes">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/elite-syrian-army-unit-parachutes-palmyra-countryside/|title=Elite Syrian Army unit parachutes into Palmyra countryside|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=16 December 2016|publisher=al-Masdar News|access-date=16 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502052818/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/elite-syrian-army-unit-parachutes-palmyra-countryside/}}</ref>
** [[File:Syrian commando.png|18px]] [[Tiger Forces]]
*** Shahin Group<ref name="blitz" />
** [[File:Qalamoun Shield Forces infobox logo.png|16px]] [[Qalamoun Shield Forces]]<ref name="reinforcements">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/reinforcements-arrive-near-palmyra-syrian-army-regroups-counter-offensive-photos/|title=Reinforcements arrive near Palmyra as Syrian Army regroups for counter-offensive (Photos)|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=12 December 2016|publisher=al-Masdar News|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507085522/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/reinforcements-arrive-near-palmyra-syrian-army-regroups-counter-offensive-photos/}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|InfoboxNDF.png}} [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defence Forces]]
** Palmyrene NDF garrison<ref name="blitz" />
** [[Golan Regiment]]<ref name="first wave" />
* [[Military Intelligence Directorate (Syria)|Military Intelligence Directorate]]
** [[Military Security Shield Forces]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/reinforcements-pour-palmyra-countryside-syrian-army-attempts-push-back-isis/|title=Reinforcements pour into Palmyra countryside as Syrian Army attempts to push back ISIS|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=13 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002221504/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/reinforcements-pour-palmyra-countryside-syrian-army-attempts-push-back-isis/}}</ref>
** Desert Commandos Regiment<ref name="chronology" />
* [[Air Force Intelligence Directorate]]<ref name="chronology" />
** Fawj Nusur Homs<ref name="Fifth Legion" />
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Air Force.svg}} [[Syrian Air Force]]
{{flagicon image|Banner of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (obverse).svg}} [[Russian Armed Forces]]
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Air Force.svg}} [[Russian Air Force]]<ref name="first wave" />
* {{flagicon image|Герб ССО.png|border=no}} [[Russian special operations forces|Special operations forces]] advisors<ref name="counterattack">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-counterattacks-palmyra-outskirts-order-secure-city/|title=Syrian Army counterattacks on Palmyra outskirts in order to secure the city|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|date=11 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018014342/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-counterattacks-palmyra-outskirts-order-secure-city/}}</ref>
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Airborne Troops.svg}} [[Russian Airborne Troops]]
** [[56th Guards Air Assault Brigade]] advisors<ref name="major" />
{{flagicon|Iran}} [[Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran|Iranian Armed Forces]]
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution.svg}} [[Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|IRGC]]
** [[Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps|IRGC Ground Forces]]
*** [[17th Ali ibn Abi Taleb Division|Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Corps of Qom Province]]<ref name="IRGC officers" />
{{flagicon image|}} Liwa Fatemiyoun
* Hazrat-e Abolfazl Brigade<ref name="IRGC officers" />
{{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} Hezbollah
* Radwan Forces<ref name="Hezbollah front">{{cite web|url=https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/567555-hezbollah-deploys-to-palmyra-front-report|title=Hezbollah deploys to Palmyra front: report|publisher=NOW|author=Albin Szakola|date=16 December 2016|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061340/https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/NewsReports/567555-hezbollah-deploys-to-palmyra-front-report}}</ref>
* Syrian Hezbollah units
** al-Ridha Forces<ref name="Hezbollah front" />
** al-Ghalibun<ref name="Fifth Legion" />
** Imam Mahdi Brigade<ref name="Fifth Legion" />
| strength1         = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} 4,000–5,000 militants<ref name="blitz"/>
| strength2         = 3,000+ fighters<ref name="chronology" /> {{small|(by the beginning of the offensive)}}
* c. 1,800–2,500 Military Shield and Al-Badiyah fighters<ref name="chronology" />
* {{flagicon image|}} c. 1,200 Liwa Fatemiyoun fighters<ref name="chronology" />
* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Syrian Arab Armed Forces (1980–2024).svg}} 150–250 Tiger Forces soldiers<ref name="chronology" />
Unknown number of reinforcements
* {{flagicon image|InfoboxHez.PNG}} 100+ Hezbollah fighters<ref name="Hezbollah" /> {{small|(since 14 December)}}
| casualties1       = {{flagicon|Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}} 149 killed <small>(per The Inside Source)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/807880542217584640|title=The Inside Source on Twitter}}</ref><br />630 killed <small>(pro-government claims)</small><ref name="Firstattack"/><ref name="keeps"/><ref name="driveout"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kills-scores-isis-terrorists-strategic-airport-west-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army kills scores of ISIS terrorists at strategic airport in west Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=26 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002212019/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kills-scores-isis-terrorists-strategic-airport-west-palmyra/}}</ref>
| casualties2       = 100 killed, 200 wounded and 30 missing <small>(per the Army)</small><ref name="keeps">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-eastern-homs-continues-isis-keeps-attacking-map-update/|title=Battle of eastern Homs continues as ISIS keeps attacking: map update|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|date=10 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211142606/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/battle-eastern-homs-continues-isis-keeps-attacking-map-update/}}</ref><br />182 killed <small>(per SOHR)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/12/11/نظيم-الدولة-الإسلامية-يستعيد-ضاحية-ا/|title=تنظيم "الدولة الإسلامية" يستعيد ضاحية العامرية بأطراف مدينة تدمر ويكبِّد النظام أكثر من 120 قتيل وعشرات الجرحى|date=11 December 2016|access-date=20 December 2016|publisher=SOHR}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57704|title=62 soldiers killed by clashes around the T4 military airport|date=24 December 2016|access-date=24 December 2016|publisher=SOHR}}</ref><br />352 killed, 22 captured <small>(pro-ISIL claim)</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/12/jihadis-celebrate-capture-of-russian-base-in-palmyra-syria.php|title=Jihadis celebrate capture of Russian base in Palmyra, Syria|author=Thomas Joscelyn|work=Long War Journal|date=13 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}}</ref>
| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox Syrian Civil War}}
}}
The '''Palmyra offensive in December 2016''' was a military operation launched by the [[military of ISIL]] which led to the re-capture of the ancient city of [[Palmyra]], and an unsuccessful ISIL attack on the [[Tiyas Military Airbase|Tiyas T-4 Airbase]] to the west of the city.<ref name="11Dec2016capture"/><ref name="Firstattack"/> [[ISIL]] previously controlled the city from May 2015 until March 2016.
The unexpected blitz offensive occurred concurrently with three major anti-ISIL offensives: the Turkish [[Western al-Bab offensive (October–November 2016)|Western al-Bab offensive]] and [[Battle of al-Bab]] north of Aleppo, the Kurdish-Arab [[Raqqa campaign (2016–2017)|Raqqa campaign]], and the Iraqi [[Battle of Mosul (2016–2017)|Battle of Mosul]] in [[Iraq]], which saw all three gaining ground from the Islamic State.
In January 2017, the Syrian Army and allied forces launched [[Palmyra offensive (2017)|another offensive]] to recapture Palmyra and its surrounding areas.
==Background==
ISIL [[Palmyra offensive (May 2015)|captured]] the ancient city of [[Palmyra]] in May 2015 after the [[Syrian Arab Army]] (SAA) withdrew from the town.<ref name="withdraw">{{cite web|url=http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/official-syrian-armed-forces-withdraw-from-ancient-city-of-palmyra|title=Official: Syrian Armed Forces Withdraw from Ancient City of Palmyra|author=Leith Fadel|work=Al-Masdar News|date=20 May 2015|access-date=22 May 2015|archive-date=22 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522000715/http://www.almasdarnews.com/article/official-syrian-armed-forces-withdraw-from-ancient-city-of-palmyra/}}</ref> The Syrian Army [[Palmyra offensive (March 2016)|recaptured the city]] in March 2016.<ref name="historic">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-syria-palmyra-islamic-state-20160327-story.html|title=Syrian forces retake historic city of Palmyra from Islamic State|agency=Associated Press|date=27 March 2016|work=chicagotribune.com|access-date=27 March 2016}}</ref> The group however still held territory in the eastern [[Homs Governorate]] and had started carrying out insurgent attacks on the Syrian Army after losing the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/09/isil-advances-within-two-miles-palmyra-surprise-attack-syrian/|title=Islamic State advances to within two miles of Palmyra after surprise attack on Syrian forces|author=Josie Ensor|work=The Telegraph|date=9 December 2016|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> The city is historically and internationally important and the offensive comes at the same time that ISIL is being targeted militarily at its headquarters of [[Battle of Mosul (2016)|Mosul]] and [[Northern Raqqa offensive (November 2016)|Raqqa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.voanews.com/a/surprise-attack-is-fights-retake-ancient-palmyra/3630304.html|title=In Surprise Attack, IS Fights to Retake Ancient Palmyra|author=Sirwan Kajjo|publisher=Voice of America|date=9 December 2016|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> Palmyra is also strategically important as it is close to oil fields. The offensive was launched at a moment when the Syrian and Russian militaries were focused on the [[Aleppo offensive (November–December 2016)|Aleppo offensive]].<ref name="Reenters">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38275905|title=Islamic State fighters 're-enter ancient Palmyra' in Syria|publisher=BBC|date=10 December 2016|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> The [[Tiyas Military Airbase]] is near to the city. It is an important security installation for the Syrian Army as it provides them with close air support. It would also be difficult to recapture Palmyra without it.<ref name="AssaultsT4"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/14122016|title=Syrian reinforcements prevent ISIS from taking Palmyra airbase|publisher=Rudaw|date=14 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016}}</ref>
== Offensive ==
=== ISIL capture of Palmyra ===
[[File:Liwa Fatemiyoun near Palmyra 1.png|250px|thumbnail|left|[[Liwa Fatemiyoun]] militiamen gather outside of Palmyra on 10 December in an attempt to counter the [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|ISIL]] offensive.]]
ISIL launched the offensive in the northeastern countryside of Homs on 8 December 2016, targeting the SAA's defenses near the village of Huwaysis and the Jazal Mountains located north of Palmyra. The group began the attack by sending two waves of fighters to storm its defenses near Huwaysis, resulting in heavy clashes. It was however unable to penetrate the first line of defense and was forced to withdraw. Local media reported that 60 militants were killed, while eight of their armored vehicles were destroyed.<ref name="Firstattack">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-suffers-heavy-casualties-failed-offensive-north-palmyra/|title=ISIS suffers heavy casualties in failed offensive north of Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002195520/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-suffers-heavy-casualties-failed-offensive-north-palmyra/}}</ref>
The group launched another assault later in the day, with simultaneous attacks near the Jazal, Mahr and Shaer oil and gas fields as well as the areas of Huwaysis, Arak, Palmyra Silos, al-Hayyal Mount, al-Sekkary, the ancient al-Hallabat Palace and an abandoned base near the T4 airbase. It was able to capture seven checkpoints from the Army, which withdrew after heavy clashes. In addition, it also captured the al-Hallabat Palace, al-Hayyal Mount, South Sawamea and Huwaysis. At least 34 pro-government fighters were killed and four, including an officer, were captured. With these advances, the group came within {{convert|4|km|mi}} of Palmyra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/is-kills-26-syria-regime-fighters-in-homs-monitor-4417474/|title=IS kills 26 Syria regime fighters in Homs: monitor|date=8 December 2016|work=Indian Express|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56585 The "Islamic State" advances in new places at Palmyra area in the eastern desert of Homs]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56561 Violent and large-attack by the "Islamic State" in Palmyra on sites of the regime forces and on ancient Palace causes tens of casualties and injuries]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/second-attack-proves-successful-isis-seize-huwaysis-northeast-homs/|title=Second attack proves successful for ISIS as they seize Huwaysis in northeast Homs|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002170306/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/second-attack-proves-successful-isis-seize-huwaysis-northeast-homs/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-islamic-state-idUSKBN13X2CM|title=Islamic State makes advances towards Palmyra: monitor|date=8 December 2016|publisher=Reuters|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> The group also captured grain silos northeast of Palmyra<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-palmyra-idUSL5N1E43P1|title=Islamic State seizes more ground near Syria's Palmyra - monitoring group|date=9 December 2016|publisher=Reuters|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> as well as the Jazal village and its oil fields.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-key-oil-field-northwest-palmyra/|title=ISIS seizes key oil field northwest of Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002214120/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-key-oil-field-northwest-palmyra/}}</ref> Meanwhile, [[Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve]] launched a massive air-raid on an Islamic State fleet of 168 [[tank truck|oil tanker trucks]], destroying them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/coalition-destroys-168-isis-oil-tankers-near-palmyra/|title=Coalition destroys 168 ISIS oil tankers near Palmyra |agency=ARA News|date=10 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213173651/http://aranews.net/2016/12/coalition-destroys-168-isis-oil-tankers-near-palmyra/|archive-date=13 December 2016}}</ref>
The SAA counter-attacked on 9 December, to recapture the positions it lost the previous day, in addition to bringing in reinforcements and launching airstrikes. 15 soldiers were killed in an ISIL ambush near the Mahr oil field.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/islamic-state-jihadists-kill-49-syria-regime-fighters-near-palmyra-monitor/story-NJyG2q8cq0tfAuAAqQLnEK.html|title=Islamic State jihadists kill 49 Syria regime fighters near Palmyra: monitor|date=9 December 2016|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> The Islamic State captured the al-Berej hills, Jihar oil fields, Mahr oil fields as well as a checkpoint near it during the clashes.<ref name="keeps"/><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56613 IS advances in Homs countryside over regime forces, and continued clashes in the area]</ref>
On 10 December, Army reinforcements arrived in Palmyra.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-palmyra-idUSKBN13Z073|title=Islamic State militants enter Palmyra after heavy fighting: monitor|date=10 December 2016|publisher=Reuters|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> At least 45 militants were killed by the Army, with three Islamic State tanks destroyed near Palmyra Silos. An earlier assault by the group on the silos had failed, but it was able to capture them later on, thus reaching the entrance to Palmyra. The Russian and Syrian Air Forces targeted ISIL positions in oil fields around Palmyra, destroying several armoured vehicles and a number of technical vehicles.<ref name="keeps"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-reaches-palmyras-gates-syrian-army-attempts-hold-city/|title=ISIS reaches Palmyra's gates as the Syrian Army attempts to hold the city|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=10 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=10 December 2016|archive-date=22 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422231041/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-reaches-palmyras-gates-syrian-army-attempts-hold-city/}}</ref> A [[Syrian Air Force]] [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23|MiG-23]] crashed in the Jazal area. ISIL claimed to had shot it down,<ref name="MiG23-down">{{cite web|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/latest-says-shot-down-syrian-jet-near-palmyra-113923196.html|title=The Latest: IS says it shot down Syrian jet near Palmyra|date=10 December 2016 |agency=AP|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> while the [[Syrian Observatory for Human Rights]] (SOHR) reported it was not known whether it crashed due to technical fault or was shot down. Clashes also started taking place around Wadi al-Ahmar where the Army brought reinforcements.<ref name="MIGcrash">[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56707 The Latest: IS says it shot down Syrian jet near Palmyra]</ref> The group later captured the Tar Mountain to the west of the city, in addition to the northern suburb of Amiriyeh, and entered Palmyra.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-12/11/c_135895802.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213173727/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-12/11/c_135895802.htm|archive-date=13 December 2016|title=Islamic State re-enters Syria's Palmyra |agency=Xinhua|access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref> By the end of the day, they had captured most of the city, including [[Palmyra Castle]],<ref name="syriahr.com">[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56724 Russian warplanes target IS in Tadmur and IS takes almost full control on the city]</ref> and were on the verge of taking full control of Palmyra.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ancient-city-palmyra-verge-capture-isis/|title=Ancient city of Palmyra on the verge of capture by ISIS|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=10 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=19 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619012729/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ancient-city-palmyra-verge-capture-isis/}}</ref> Palmyra's residents were evacuated in the evening by the Army.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
Early on 11 December, after the arrival of reinforcements, the Syrian Army, backed by Syrian and Russian air units,<ref name="counterattack"/> launched a successful counterattack to drive out ISIL forces from the city.<ref name="driveout">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/russian-syrian-forces-drive-isil-palmyra-161211074224138.html|title=Russian and Syrian forces drive ISIL out of Palmyra|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=11 December 2016}}</ref> The militants withdrew to the orchards on the fringes of Palmyra. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, ISIL suffered over 300 dead.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/10/islamic-state-back-unesco-world-heritage-city-palmyra-surprise/ |title=Isil retakes historic city of Palmyra|work=Daily Telegraph |date=10 December 2016|last1=Williams|first1=Sara Elizabeth}}</ref> However, later in the day, ISIL launched a new assault on Palmyra after regrouping,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-palmyra-idUSKBN13Z073|title=Syrian official says Palmyra falls again to Islamic State|date=11 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}</ref> entering the city once again and capturing Amiriyeh, its hilltop and the Officers Housing complex.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-terrorists-launch-another-assault-palmyra-capturing-several-sites/|title=ISIS terrorists launch another assault on Palmyra capturing several sites|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|date=11 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=7 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507144600/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-terrorists-launch-another-assault-palmyra-capturing-several-sites/}}</ref> Eventually, ISIL took full control of the city as the Army withdrew south of Palmyra.<ref name="11Dec2016capture">{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/12/11/islamic-state-recaptures-palmyra-after-syria-army-withdrawal|title=Islamic State recaptures Palmyra after Syria army withdrawal|author=The New Arab & agencies|date=11 December 2016}}</ref>
=== Attack on Tiyas Airbase ===
[[File:Liwa Fatemiyoun near Palmyra 2.png|thumb|left|Liwa Fatemiyoun troops near Palmyra during the offensive]]
ISIL started advancing westwards from Palmyra to the [[Tiyas Military Airbase]] (also called al-Taifor and T4 airbase) after the city's capture on 11 December. The group captured two villages to the west of city during the day. It also captured an abandoned base to the west of the airbase.<ref name="syriahr.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-two-villages-west-palmyra/|title=ISIS seizes two villages west of Palmyra|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=11 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002161132/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-two-villages-west-palmyra/}}</ref> Early on 12 December, ISIL launched an attack against the strategically important Jihar Crossroad near the airbase, and captured it after heavy clashes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-important-crossroad-near-syrian-air-force-base/|title=ISIS seizes important crossroad near Syrian Air Force base|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002210242/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-seizes-important-crossroad-near-syrian-air-force-base/}}</ref> It later captured security checkpoints in the nearby districts of Mashtal and Qasr al-Hir,<ref name="AssaultsT4">{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/retaking-palmyra-isis-assaults-t4-airbase-near-syrias-homs/|title=After retaking Palmyra, ISIS assaults T4 Airbase near Syria's Homs|date=13 December 2016|publisher=ARA News|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213013922/http://aranews.net/2016/12/retaking-palmyra-isis-assaults-t4-airbase-near-syrias-homs/|archive-date=13 December 2016}}</ref> allowing it to launch an attack against the airbase spearheaded by two [[car bomb]]s, resulting in an hours-long battle with the entrenched SAA defenders. Aided by numerous Russian airstrikes, the government forces eventually repelled the assault, as ISIL forces regrouped for another attempt at breaching the airbase's defenses.<ref name="first wave">{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-repels-first-isis-assault-t-4-airbase-prepares-second-wave/|title=Syrian Army repels first ISIS assault on T-4 Airbase, prepares for a second wave|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|date=12 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002190611/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-repels-first-isis-assault-t-4-airbase-prepares-second-wave/}}</ref> Meanwhile, hundreds of pro-government reinforcements arrived at the frontline, which belonged to the [[National Defence Forces (Syria)|National Defence Forces]]-affiliated Qalamoun Shield<ref name="reinforcements" /> and Golan Regiment.<ref name="first wave" /> Russia carried out airstrikes against ISIL in Palmyra, killing five people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20161212-russia-syria-fail-to-dislodge-daesh-from-palmyra/|title=Russia, Syria fail to dislodge Daesh from Palmyra|date=12 December 2016|publisher=Middle East Monitor|access-date=12 December 2016}}</ref>
The group attacked the airbase again on 13 December, after advancing around it in an attempt to besiege it. Reinforcements from the Syrian Army and Russian special forces arrived to the base later in the day.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56888 Airstrikes target the eastern countryside of Homs and the "Islamic state" targets T4 airbase again]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56913 Russian backups for regime forces in Taifur military airport]</ref> During the day, ISIL advanced on a checkpoint on the road to [[Al-Qaryatayn]],<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56913 Continued clashes around al_Taifor military airport]</ref> eventually capturing it and cutting the road. The road was a main supply route for the Syrian Army in Homs Governorate and had been used to supply military reinforcements to the airbase as well as Homs city from Al-Qaryatayn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aranews.net/2016/12/isis-militants-cut-off-regime-supply-route-in-syrias-homs/|title=ISIS militants cut off regime supply route in Syria's Homs|agency=ARA News|date=14 December 2016|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109181025/http://aranews.net/2016/12/isis-militants-cut-off-regime-supply-route-in-syrias-homs/|archive-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> Meanwhile, an assault by the militants on the Tiyas pumping station during the night was repelled.<ref name=Field>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-fights-off-isis-near-key-airbase/|title=Field report: Syrian Army fights off ISIS near key airbase|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=14 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=21 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521101516/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-fights-off-isis-near-key-airbase/}}</ref> The clashes renewed on 14 December, with the Army trying to regain areas it previously lost around the airbase.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56954 Continued clashes around al_Taifor military airport]</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56978 Continued clashes in Homs countryside and around Taifor military airport]</ref> The Army recaptured the Tiyas Mountain as well as the abandoned base located in the north of the airbase after launching a counteroffensive during the early morning.<ref name=Field/> It also regained checkpoints on the road to al-Qaryatayn it had lost a day earlier.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/247176|title=بالفيديو: شاهد لماذا يعزف الجيش السوري داخل مطار التيفور؟|publisher=Al-Hadath News|date=14 December 2016|language=ar|access-date=15 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109181116/http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/247176|archive-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> ISIL meanwhile captured [http://wikimapia.org/29507734/ar/%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%A9 al-Sharifah village] to the west of the airbase.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57015 The "Islamic State" achieves a new advancement in the eastern countryside of Homs and clashes continue near the T4 airbase]</ref> Later that day, ISIL launched another attack on the airbase, but thanks to newly arrived government reinforcements, belonging to the [[paratrooper]] forces of the [[Republican Guard (Syria)|Republican Guard]]'s 800th Regiment, the assault was repelled. The following night, a SAA counter-attack drove ISIL from the airbase's outskirts.<ref name="parachutes" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://rudaw.net/english/middleeast/syria/14122016|title=Syrian reinforcements prevent ISIS from taking Palmyra airbase|publisher=Rudaw|access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref>
The US-led coalition stated on 16 December that it had carried out airstrikes near the airbase against ISIL on the previous day, destroying the heavy weaponry it seized after recapturing Palmyra. An air defense artillery system, 14 tanks, three artillery systems, two ISIL-held buildings and two tactical vehicles were destroyed in total. The strikes reportedly killed at least 38 militants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2016/dec/17/coalition-strike-destroys-is-captured-weapons-near-palmyra-1549932--1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220143939/http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2016/dec/17/coalition-strike-destroys-is-captured-weapons-near-palmyra-1549932--1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 December 2016|title=Coalition strike destroys IS-captured weapons near Palmyra|work=New Indian Express|access-date=18 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Dec-17/385795-coalition-strikes-near-palmyra-killed-38-militants-monitor.ashx|title=Coalition strikes near Palmyra killed 38 militants: monitor|work=The Daily Star|date=18 December 2016|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218235304/http://www.dailystar.com.lb//News/Middle-East/2016/Dec-17/385795-coalition-strikes-near-palmyra-killed-38-militants-monitor.ashx}}</ref> The Syrian Army launched another counterattack on 16 December, recapturing the Qaryatayn-T4 crossroads area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-counterattacks-east-homs-recaptures-several-sites/|title=Field report: Syrian Army counterattacks in east Homs, recaptures several sites|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|date=16 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130055658/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-counterattacks-east-homs-recaptures-several-sites/}}</ref> They later also recaptured the road between al-Sharifah and al-Qaryatyn and reopened the direct route between al-Qaryatayn and the airbase. Umar As'ad, a leader of ISIL, was killed in the clashes.<ref name=Hadath>{{cite news|url=http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/248540|title=بالصور: حامية مطار التيفور.. واخر التطورات في تدمر|publisher=Al-Hadath News|date=17 December 2016|language=ar|access-date=18 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109181215/http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/248540|archive-date=9 January 2017}}</ref><ref name=Umar/> The Army recaptured a checkpoint near al-Qaryatayn on 17 December.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57165 Clashes in the Syrian Desert and airstrikes target Palmyra Desert, shelling target the countryside of Quneitra and casualty in the countryside of Daraa]</ref> Another attack by ISIL later in the day was repelled, while the Army captured Al-Sha'arah Hills to the north of the abandoned base.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-counterattacks-east-homs-recaptures-several-sites/|title=Syrian Army advances in western Palmyra after foiling massive ISIS offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=18 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=30 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130055658/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-syrian-army-counterattacks-east-homs-recaptures-several-sites/}}</ref> ISIL launched another attack on the airbase on 19 December and shot down a Russian helicopter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-isis-reportedly-shot-russian-helicopter-near-t4-airbase/|title=Field report: ISIS reportedly shot down Russian helicopter near T4 airbase|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=19 December 2016|work=Al-Masdar News|access-date=19 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002223130/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/field-report-isis-reportedly-shot-russian-helicopter-near-t4-airbase/}}</ref> The attack failed with 36 ISIL fighters being killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/12/20/ISIS-Launch-Large-Scale-Assault-on-the-T4-Airbase|title=ISIS Launch Large Scale Assault on the T4 Airbase|date=19 December 2016|publisher=The Inside Source|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222152134/http://www.insidesourcenews.com/single-post/2016/12/20/ISIS-Launch-Large-Scale-Assault-on-the-T4-Airbase|archive-date=22 December 2016}}</ref> At least 20 pro-government fighters were killed in it while a helicopter was shot down, leaving its two pilots dead.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57349 The "Islamic State" shoots down a helicopter and kills its crew and other 20 regime forces' members in violent attack on T4 airbase]</ref> Clashes took place between the two sides on outskirts of Abu Kala Dam as well as other areas near the airbase on 20 December.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57409 Clashes in Palmyra countryside and in the vicinity of T4 airbase, and casualty on Harasta highway]</ref> ISIL was also repeatedly attacking the abandoned base in order to retake it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/251199|title=ماذا يحدث الآن في مطار التيفور..؟|publisher=Al-Hadath News|date=21 December 2016|language=ar|access-date=21 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109181438/http://www.alhadathnews.net/archives/251199|archive-date=9 January 2017}}</ref> On 22 December, ISIL launched another attack in the morning, which failed. The militants launched another assault later on, which was also repelled. The group was then driven back to Palmyra.<ref name=foils/> At the same time, a US airstrike killed the leading ISIL commander for the Palmyra frontline, Amr As'ad.<ref name="Amr" />
== Aftermath – sporadic clashes and SAA counteroffensive ==
{{see also|Palmyra offensive (2017)}}
Sporadic clashes continued to occur around the airbase,<ref name=SOHRInkhel>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57662 The regime forces shell the area around Inkhel and casualties in the regime forces' ranks in the vicinity of T4 airbase]</ref> with 13 soldiers killed in an ISIL attack on al-Sharifa on 24 December.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57704 62 soldiers killed by clashes around the T4 military airport]</ref> ISIL launched another assault on 26 December, storming the Syrian Army's position west of the Badiyah area of Palmyra and then on its positions north of the [[Sha'rah Hills]] before being repelled.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kills-scores-isis-terrorists-strategic-airport-west-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army kills scores of ISIS terrorists at strategic airport in west Palmyra|work=Al-Masdar News|date=26 December 2016|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=2 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002212019/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kills-scores-isis-terrorists-strategic-airport-west-palmyra/}}</ref> Clashes broke out again near the airbase and al-Sharifa during the day, with the Syrian Army advancing in the area.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57837 Clashes breakout on many fronts of Homs countryside]</ref> On 29 December, the Syrian Army secured the hilltops surrounding Sharifah village. The following day, the military recaptured the village.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-new-village-west-palmyra/|title=Syrian Army liberates new village in Palmyra|newspaper=Amn - Al-Masdar News &#124; المصدر نيوز|publisher=Al-Masdar News|date=30 December 2016|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103151101/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-liberates-new-village-west-palmyra/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/30-december-saa-captured-sharifah-village-near-t4-eastern|title=SAA captured Sharifah village near T4. Eastern Homs}}</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58084 Continued clashes around the T4 military airport and 4 SDF mourned in Kobane]</ref> Clashes were reported in the area on 31 December, with pro-government forces trying to recapture the village.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58130 Continued shelling by the regime forces accompany the advancement attempts in Palmyra desert and shelling by the regime forces on the countryside of Daraa]</ref>
Clashes re-erupted on 2 January 2017, around al-Sharifah and the airbase in addition to the Fourth Station.<ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58219 Clashes renewed in the Syrian Desert in the countryside of Homs and shelling on the southern countryside of Aleppo]</ref> On 4 January, it was reported that ISIL was withdrawing from the areas around the Tiyas airbase.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-abandons-offensive-west-palmyra-mass-retreat-towards-raqqa/|title=ISIS abandons offensive in west Palmyra, mass retreat towards Raqqa|work=Al-Masdar News|date=4 January 2017|access-date=6 January 2017|archive-date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928081600/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/isis-abandons-offensive-west-palmyra-mass-retreat-towards-raqqa/}}</ref> Some clashes continued near the airbase after 5 January.<ref name=vicinitySOHR>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58458 Clashes in the vicinity of the T4 airbase and aerial bombardment on several areas in the eastern desert of Homs and aid dropped on Deir Ezzor] 5 January 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58658 Attack by the "Islamic State" on sites in the eastern countryside of Homs] 8 January 2017</ref><ref>[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=58670 Raids by warplanes on the eastern desert of Homs and bombing cause casualties and injuries in the eastern countryside of Aleppo] 8 January 2017</ref>
On 12 January 2017, the Syrian Army launched the [[Eastern Homs offensive (January–February 2017)|Eastern Homs offensive]] to retake Palmyra.
== Diplomatic reactions ==
On 12 December 2016, [[Minister of Foreign Affairs (Russia)|Russian Foreign Minister]] [[Sergey Lavrov]] commented that the Islamic State's offensive in Palmyra may have been "orchestrated" to distract forces from militants in eastern Aleppo, and ISIL's reinforcements then moved from Mosul to Palmyra via routes which could have been blocked by the US-led coalition's aviation. A spokesman for Russian Defense Ministry [[Igor Konashenkov]] stated that the Islamic State made use of pause in the Mosul and Raqqah offensives to shift reinforcements to Palmyra, and that ISIL were sure that these offensives would not be immediately renewed. Konashenkov commented that the government setbacks at Palmyra shows that the Islamic State should not be allowed to regroup.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_SYRIA_THE_LATEST?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-12-12-13-26-33|title=Syria rebels retreat in Aleppo in 'terrifying' collapse|author1=Arah el Deeb |author2=Zeina Karam |author2-link=Zeina Karam |work=The Associated Press|date=12 December 2016|access-date=12 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-idUKKBN1412GU?il=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213171412/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-idUKKBN1412GU?il=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2016|title=Russia's Lavrov says Syria talks with US at dead end|author1=Polina Devitt |author2=Aleksandar Vasovic |work=Reuters|date=12 December 2016|access-date=12 December 2016}}</ref>
[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development (France)|French Foreign Minister]] [[Jean-Marc Ayrault]] stated that the proof of Russia's stated aim of targeting militants in Syria being false lay in reports that ISIL had retaken Palmyra, while accusing it of being there to save Assad's government and "making Aleppo fall".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN141125?il=0|title=Russia guilty of 'constant lies' over Aleppo, France says|author=Robin Emmott |work=Reuters|date=12 December 2016|access-date=13 December 2016}}</ref>
==See also==
{{Portal|Asia}}
* [[Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)]]
* [[Siege of Deir ez-Zor (2014–17)]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rthxhUE0OSc Coalition Airstrike Destroys 168 Da'esh Oil Tanker Trucks in Central Syria]
{{Syrian Civil War}}
{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Palmyra offensive (2016 12)}}
[[Category:Palmyra in the Syrian civil war]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2016]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government]]
[[Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 2016]]
[[Category:December 2016 in Syria]]