Syrian militants race army for control of Deir al-Zor
euronews (in English)
2017-09-09
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US-backed fighters in eastern Syria have announced a new offensive against the so-called Islamic State.
The operation brings the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into a race with government troops who are marching in the same direction.
The Syrian army has already recaptured an air base on the outskirts of Deir al-Zor – a city that has been besieged by the jihadists since 2015.
Which side reaches the Iraq border first will determine whether the US or Russia and Iran control the oil-rich strategic area after the defeat of ISIL.
The SDF said it did not expect clashes with Syrian government forces, but would respond if fired upon.
The operation brings the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into a race with government troops who are marching in the same direction.
The Syrian army has already recaptured an air base on the outskirts of Deir al-Zor – a city that has been besieged by the jihadists since 2015.
Which side reaches the Iraq border first will determine whether the US or Russia and Iran control the oil-rich strategic area after the defeat of ISIL.
The SDF said it did not expect clashes with Syrian government forces, but would respond if fired upon.
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