Syrian forces have been on the offensive in the area around the city recently in the wake of the successful operation to lift through the ISIL siege of Deir Ezzor, which has lasted years. Most militants have been pushed back several miles east and across the Euphrates river.
The source added that the terrorists still holding parts of the city have been significantly weakened and are unable to continue resisting the army's offensive.
Last week, the Syrian government troops, supported by Russian Aerospace Forces, lifted the blockade around Deir Ezzor, which had been maintained by the ISIL for several years. Fighting continues in the east and southeast of the city.
The successful Deir Ezzor operation was the biggest breakthrough against ISIL since the terrorist group first launched an offensive in the province. The terrorists had been blockading Deir Ezzor since 2014, with food and other supplies only being airlifted into the city. The group also took control over a large swath of the province of Deir Ezzor and cut off roads to government-held districts.
SPUTNIK/MNA
Your Comment