"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." the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Over the course of a few hours, the Syrian storm troops have 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.
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.
