– 2017 ISIL counter-offensive Amid a collapse of ISIL' forces against the SAA thrust towards Deir Ezzor, on 29 September 2017 ISIL launched simultaneous counteroffensives against the small towns of As Sukhnah, Bi'r Ghabaghib, and Bayt al Juhayshal to disrupt SAA logistics within the Deir Ezzor governate. As part of this offensive ISIL forces deep behind SAA lines attacked al-Qaryatayn and captured it and some surrounding territory after 2 days' fighting, leaving a pocket within SAA territory. SAA forces reportedly recaptured the town almost a month later on 22 October. The Palmyra Coordination Committee reported that 67 bodies, many summarily killed by ISIL, were found in the town. See also Battle of Al-Qaryatayn (2015) Palmyra offensive (May 2015) Palmyra offensive (March 2016) References April 2016 events in Syria al-Qaryatayn Homs District Homs Governorate in the Syrian civil war March 2016 events in Syria al-Qaryatayn al-Qaryatayn al-Qaryatayn al-Qaryatayn