DAMASCUS, SYRIA (4:30 P.M.) – On Friday, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) opened a new front in eastern Syria after securing large advances in the northern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
Backed by American airstrikes, the SDF managed to imposed full control over the villages of Jabal az-Zirab, Bir Dumayni, Hujayf az Zarrab and Tal Aljehev, thereby putting their forward units within 25 kilometers of Deir Ezzor’s northern gates.
The advance puts all of the Kharafi road and most of the Abu Khashb road under Kurdish control. US advisors are notably heavily involved in planning the offensive.
On Saturday morning, fresh clashes also erupted on the Khabur River front further east but skirmishes on this frontier proved to be diversionary attacks, probing ISIS’ defensive line.
Meanwhile, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) scores new gains in the provincial capital of Deir Ezzor amid fierce clashes with Islamic State combattants.
With ISIS on its last legs, the SAA and SDF are currently competing in a race to capture as much of Deir Ezzor province for themselves.
Click here for a map of the aforementioned region through an Al-Masdar News partner website.
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