Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) marching in Raqqa, Syria. (AP/Militant Website

BEIRUT, LEBANON (9:40 A.M.) – Not long after the U.S. attacked the Shayrat Airbase in eastern Homs, the Islamic State (ISIL) launched two separate attacks on the Syrian Arab Army’s (SAA) defenses in the Palmyra.

Beginning with Al-Furqalas, the Islamic State attacked the Syrian Army’s checkpoints outside the village, resulting in a fierce battle that lasted for approximately two hours on Friday.

The Islamic State was hoping to capitalize on the absence of the Syrian Air Force in east Homs; however, the terrorist group’s offensive was eventually repelled by sunrise and Homs-Palmyra Road secured.

ISIL will continue to take advantage of the U.S. attack on the Syrian Air Force by launching more offensives in the coming days.

This article was originally published by Al-Masdar News.