Rebels thwart Assad's forces attacks on eastern Qalamoun Mountains

 (Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian rebels on Saturday thwarted an attack by regime's armed forces on the eastern region of Qalamoun Mountains, pressing slow advances in the desert area of historic Palmyra city east Homs, activists said.

Backed by Islamist groups, al-Nusra Front's fighters foiled an attack by Bashar al-Assad’s forces near al-Safa area, near the international road of Baghdad.

Pro-opposition media outlets also reported clashes between the Islamic State militant group and Assad’s forces east Homs near the gas-rich desert.

The eastern region of Damascus province, which connects swathes of desert territories, has become an imminent threat for regime forces where its troops have been paying a bloody bill and heavy losses.

The geographical map has helped the Islamist groups, basically ISIS, where many supplies can be delivered through the Iraqi borders from the Sunni-dominated province of al-Anbar.

Rebels of the Desert Brigade also inflicted defeats on Assad's forces last week near the powerful Dumeir Military Airbase (30 miles, east Damascus).

As war continues, More than 190,000 people have been killed since the start of Syria's uprising against President Bashar Assad in March 2011.

Writing by Anwar Diab