The Syrian army has entered the largest Daesh (ISIS, Islamic State, banned in Russia) stronghold in the province of Deir ez-Zor, the town of al-Mayadeen (located 45 kilometers east of the city of Deir ez-Zor), a government forces brigadier general told RIA Novosti.
"The Syrian army entered Mayadeen and gained controls over the market in the west of the city, as well as a citadel… Fierce clashes between the army and Daesh terrorists are underway in the south of the city," the general said.
He said that the Syrian army provided humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from the city. However, terrorists prevent some city residents from leaving the area to use them as a "human shield," the general said.
Meanwhile, Syrian state TV reported earlier in the day that the government forces eliminated a large number of Daesh militants during the al-Mayadeen operation. The troops reportedly destroyed several Daesh weapons depots and a communication hub.
The new offensive of the Syrian army in the province comes a month after the three-year blockade of the city was lifted by government troops with support from the Russian Aerospace Forces on September 5. The operation to clear the city from remaining terrorists is currently underway.
