Rebels seize control of powerful base 559, Eastern Qalamoun

While the Syrian regime has proclaimed victory in its Qalamoun offensive between Damascus and the Lebanese border, insurgents have — with little fanfare — won a notable psychological and military battle in the east of the area in the Syrian desert.

In late April opposition fighters, led by elements of the Islamic Front, attacked the tank depot at Base 559 (see map). They took some of tanks and armored vehicles and destroyed more than 100 others after taking spare parts.

Further success came when Syrian forces tried to counter-attack and reclaim the base. EA sources say that at least 115 Syrian troops were killed and that the toll could be between 150 and 200, if tank crews and soldier in destroyed BMP armored vehicles are included.

While most of the tanks destroyed by insurgents in their initial occupation of Base 559 were older models, the opposition destroyed at least nine T72 tanks as well as newer armored vehicles and equipment.