Syrian army launches campaign against IS sleeper cells in desert region

The Syrian army launched a massive campaign against Islamic State (IS) sleeper cells in the eastern countryside of the Hama province in central Syria on Monday, a war monitor reported.

Backed by the Russian air force, the Syrian army and allied fighters started the campaign against the IS militants in the desert region in the remote eastern countryside of Hama, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The Britain-based watchdog group said the IS militants have a notable presence in eastern Hama.

It added that the Syrian army set up checkpoints in the area.

Last week, the observatory said intense battles took place between the Syrian pro-government forces and IS sleeper cells in eastern Hama.

The IS has lost key areas across Syria but still has a presence in the desert region of Hama, Deir al-Zour, and Homs provinces.