The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a deadly ambush in eastern Syria, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of soldiers. The attack, one of the year’s deadliest by the extremists, targeted army trucks in Deir el-Zour province. The death toll reached at least 33, with potential for further rise as some soldiers are critically wounded. Despite their defeat in 2019, IS sleeper cells continue to launch lethal attacks in Syria. The group previously controlled significant portions of Syria and Iraq, declaring a caliphate in 2014. The recent attack underscores their ongoing operational capacity.