The Syrian government have regained control over the Eastern city of Deir al-Zor from so-called Islamic State.

“The armed forces, in cooperation with allied forces, liberated the city of Deir al-Zor completely from the clutches of the Daesh terrorist organisation,” a military source said.

Islamic State had besieged a government enclave in the city for years until the army relieved it in early September, starting a battle for the jihadist-held parts of the city.
The army captured al-Hamidiya, Sheikh Yassin, al-Ardhi and al-Rashidia districts in recent attacks and the al-Hawiqa district was the last to be held by the jihadists.

Deir al-Zor, on the west bank of the Euphrates, is the largest and most important city in eastern Syria. It is the centre of Syrian oil production.

A strong offensive by the army, backed by Russia, Iran and Shi’ite militias, and a separate offensive by U.S.-backed Syrian militias have pushed Islamic State back into an ever-shrinking area downstream of Deir al-Zor near the Iraqi border.