DAMASCUS, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Approximately 17 pro-government soldiers were killed on Friday in an assault by terrorist cells affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group in the desert region of the central Syrian province of Hama, pro-government Sham FM radio reported.
The attack occurred in the area of Rasem Al-Kom in the countryside of Hama, said the report, giving no further details.
The IS militants have used the Syrian desert region as a safe haven after the end of their geographical control over residential areas in Syria in 2019, frequently attacking and abducting civilians and military personnel, resulting in a continued loss of life and instability in the region. ■
