The army soldiers warded off ISIL terrorists' assault on the Southeastern side of Zamen Battalion near Deir Ezzur airbase.

The army aircraft concurrently pounded ISIL's gathering near the airbase, inflicting a number of casualties on the militants.

The warplanes also targeted ISIL's concentration centers in the districts of al-Khasarat, Kanamat, al-Sina'ah and the surrounding areas of al-Jafrah village, inflicting a number of casualties on the militants.

The army also targeted ISIL's gatherings near the Koniko oilfield in Eastern Homs, claiming the lives of tens of terrorists and destroying the military vehicles.

A commander said on Saturday that a large number of popular forces from the Eastern province of Deir Ezzur are preparing to take part in an imminent large-scale operation to drive ISIL terrorists out of the city and its surroundings.

A large group of Deir Ezzur people and a number of military commanders in Damascus have created a national plan aimed at liberating Deir Ezzur province from ISIL.

Mohammad Sabahi Ahad underlined the importance of the cooperation Deir Ezzur people to support the Syrian army troops in the liberation of the city and annihilation of ISIL terrorists.

"This operation will start from the ancient city of Palmyra (Tadmur) to liberate the road to Deir Ezzur and the city itself," he further added.

Ahad further said that the popular forces have handed over to relevant officials a list of points in their regions for military and medical back up of the Deir Ezzur liberation operation.

"Popular forces are ready to start their operation once they receive order from relevant officials," he further stressed; FNA reported.

S/SH 11