June 29: The New Syrian Army Enters the Fray

The New Syrian Army, alongside its allies in the Free Syrian Army-affiliated Ahmad al-Abdo Martyrs Brigades and Battalions and Jaysh Usud al-Sharqiya groups, launched an offensive on the Islamic State-held town of al-Bukamal on June 28. The offensive, the first large-scale action by the New Syrian Army, is risky, and the group has sustained substantial losses. If it ultimately succeeds, however, the campaign will solidify the New Syrian Army's strength and reputation while delivering a powerful blow to the Islamic State....