Syrian regime forces backed by Shi'ite militias launched major offensive near the Jordanian-Syrian border to recapture territory seized last week by U.S.-backed rebels, rebel spokesman said.
Saad al-Haj, spokesman for Jaish Osoud al-Sharqiya, key rebel group operating in eastern Qalamoun and the desert, also known as al-Badiya, said regime forces and its allies seek to capture rebel pockets in the eastern countryside of Sweida province southeastern Syria along the border with Jordan.
The regime army's main focus since May has been its campaign in the east of the country against Islamic State and moderate rebels.
Russian warplanes have conducted several airstrikes on Osoud al-Shariqiya bastions in support of Assad army. No casualties reported, according to al-Haj.
Early this week, Osoud al-Sharqiya killed 15 regime troops in al-Badiya, when its artillery and Grad rockets pounded an army stronghold in Um Remam area.
The death toll of the desert battles reached a total of 172 troops who had been killed by ISIS and rebels, pro-regime news outlets said amid mounting anger among pro-regime areas.
The Syrian Soldier, pro-regime Facebook page with wide network of sources, said more than 700 soldiers have been lost and killed since May in the desert, not just by ISIS or rebels but due to lack of water and food.
Pro-regime activists blamed top army officers, saying those who are standing behind the missing of army soldiers. They have been deployed in desert without food supplies or telecommunication devices.
Syrian regime has depended on its allied militias mostly from Latakia and Tartus province in Badiya battles where most of them have no war experience.
Retired colonel told Ammar Johmani the summer heat and lack of medicine have also increased the death toll of regime army.
