Syrian Army liberates Saqr Island in Deir Ezzor

According to the SANA news agency, Syrian army units re-established control over the island of Huweijit Saqar near Deir ez-Zor on Thursday, amid an ongoing offensive against the so-called Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL).

Army units backed by allied forces reportedly carried out intensive operations against IS barricades on the southeastern outskirts of Deir Ezzor, establishing control over the village of Huweijit Saqar.

SANA reported that IS suffered heavy losses in equipment and troops as a result of the military operations.

The Syrian Arab Army is continuing its advance to secure the Deir ez-Zor area, pushing forward in order to encircle the last IS pockets in the city.