Special to WorldTribune.com

NICOSIA [MENL] — Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has continued its offensive against the Syrian military.

The Syrian opposition has reported the resumption of ISIL’s drive through the north. On Aug. 8, ISIL attacked a Syrian Army base in the Raqqa province and captured facilities belonging to the 93rd Brigade.

“They were in control over large parts of the base,” the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The report marked the resumption of ISIL’s offensive against the Syrian military. In July 2014, ISIL was said to have engaged in the first genuine combat with forces from the regime of President Bashar Assad in northern Syria.

The ISIL offensive was said to have begun with three suicide bombings at the gates of the 93rd Brigade. Syrian Observatory said dozens of brigade soldiers were killed or injured.

ISIL was already said to have gained control over the Army’s 17th Division, also based in Raqqa. At least 85 soldiers were said to have been killed, most of them beheaded by ISIL.

The opposition said ISIL’s offensive reflected its determination to control large parts of Iraq and Syria. A key goal was for ISIL to maintain control over the crude oil fields in both countries, critical to sustaining the current offensive.

  ISIL seizes army base in North, Meanwhile in Syria, Raqqa province, Syrian Army 17th Division, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights