Russian media publications reported that Assad's armed forces and his militias could not access deep enough into the Syrian desert after intense encounters with ISIS.

News site "Topwar" reports that Russian fighter jets were carrying out airstrikes at ISIS facilities in the east villages of Hama district, and damaged their communications systems and ammunition warehouses. 

The site added that Assad's forces and the militias could not make progress into the region after ISIS attack close to "Athera" district.

ISIS remains spread out in Syria's Badia, from Eastern A-Swida region through Homs until Al-Mayadeen in the rural region of Deir Al-Zour district.