(Zaman Al Wasl)- At least 172 troops killed in Syrian desert by the Islamic State and U.S.-backed forces since last week, pro-regime news outlets said amid mounting anger among pro-regime areas.
The Syrian Soldier, pro-regime Facebook page with wide network of sources, said more than 700 soldiers have been lost and killed since May in the Syrian desert, also known as al-Badiya, not just by ISIS or rebels but due to lack of water and food.
Pro-regime activists blamed top army officers, saying those who are standing behind the missing of army soldiers. They have been deployed in desert without food supplies or telecommunication devices.
Since May, the Assad army has been conducting a broad military campaign to recapture the vast desert that separates the capital Damascus from Deir al-Zor and other towns along the Euphrates Valley.
Syrian regime has depended on its allied militias mostly from Latakia and Tartus province in Badiya battles where most of them have no war experience.
Retired colonel told Zaman al-Wasl the summer heat and lack of medicine have also increased the death toll of regime army.
Last week, U.S.-backed Jaish Osoud al-Sharqiya killed 15 regime troops in al-Badiya, when its artillery and Grad rockets pounded an army stronghold in Um Remam area, spokesman Said Seif said.
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