Syrian Army Crosses Euphrates’ Eastern Bank in Deir Ez-Zor

Local Editor

The Syrian Army troops battling the Wahhabi Daesh [Arabic acronym for "ISIS" / "ISIL"] had crossed to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River in Deir ez-Zor for the first time since they broke a siege on parts of the eastern city earlier this month.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights which is based in the UK and Omar Abu Laila, who runs a group that monitors developments in Deir ez-Zor, said troops crossed from the southern suburb of Jafra on Monday.

In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said: "The squadrons of the Syrian government troops, strengthened by units of the fourth rank division with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces conducted a forced crossing of the Euphrates River near Deir ez-Zor through a pontoon bridge established by engineer divisions."

Over the course of a few hours, the Syrian storm troops had managed to drive Daesh militants out of a number of villages near the city. The correspondent noted that terrorists were resisting fiercely during the offensive.

The Syrian army has destroyed several Daesh's vehicles fitted with machine guns, killed and captivated over 10 militants.

Syrian forces have been on the offensive in the area around Deir ez-Zor over recent days following the successful operation to break through Daesh forces encircling the city.

On Sunday, Syrian Army forces cut off the main supply route to the areas held by terrorists near Deir ez-Zor by securing control over a strategic town located nearby.

Deir ez-Zor has been under Daesh's siege for some three years. In the beginning of September, the Syrian army finally lifted the blockade with the help of Russian aviation. The victory was a crucial step toward a complete defeat of Daesh on the Syrian territory, according to the chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team