At least 21 pro-government militiamen were killed in an ambush in Syria, attributed to the Islamic State group. The incident occurred in al-Kawm village, located between Homs and Raqqa, between November 7 and 8, 2023. Al-Kawm lies in a region of eastern Syria known for its strategic complexity and ongoing conflict.

The victims were members of the National Defense Forces, a militia supporting the Syrian government. Their deaths in this volatile area highlight the persistent instability in the region.

Both pro-government media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the ambush. Sham FM, a pro-government outlet, confirmed 21 deaths, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicated the number might be as high as 34. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Syrian officials have not provided comments.

Al-Kawm is in a strategically important area, with different forces controlling nearby cities. The government controls Homs, while U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces hold Raqqa. This region has experienced an escalation in violence recently.

The ambush is part of a broader trend of increasing violence in Syria. Government forces have stepped up attacks in the northwest, opposition-controlled areas. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Iraqi militants target U.S. bases in the east and south. Additionally, Israel continues military strikes against Syrian government targets.

Since 2011, the conflict in Syria has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Millions have been displaced, exacerbating the need for aid and assistance.