The objective of the operation was to recapture territory lost to ISIL, in the eastern part of the Homs Governorate, during the fall of that year.

[2] Two days later, they carried out an assault at the eastern slopes of the Jabal Al-Hiyal Mountains, seizing several points and advanced to east towards the ancient city of Palmyra.

[11][23] On 17 November, Syrian government troops captured the Jabal Al-Hazzm Mountains along the Sadad-Mahin Road and the small village of Al-Hadath to north of the ISIL-held town of Mahin.

[7][24][25] On the next day, government forces captured the Jabal Maheen Mountains and parts of Mahin,[8][26] which was fully secured by 23 November, as ISIL retreated to the town Al-Qaryatayn.

[13] On 7 December, Syrian government forces imposed full control over the strategic Palmyra-Homs Highway after seizing the villages of Al-Bayarat and Marhatten in the western countryside of the ancient city of Palmyra.