Iranian-backed militia are fortifying the Iraqi town of Ba'aj to help to secure a future land route from Tehran to Damascus and in to Lebanon

Isis

Syrian government

Caspian

Sea

Iran

Latakia

Deir ez-Zor

Ba'aj

Syria

Tehran

Shirqat

Sakhan

Baquba

Palmyra

Iraq

Damascus

Baghdad

500 km

500 miles

Caspian Sea

Isis

Syrian government

Iran

Mosul

Syria

Ba'aj

Deir ez-Zor

Tehran

Shirqat

Raqqa

Latakia

Sakhan

Mayedin

Palmyra

Iraq

Baquba

Damascus

Baghdad

Baghdad-

Damascus highway

200 km

200 miles