Syrian Army pincers close around the Euphrates River, 4 more villages seized

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) finally broke through ISIS’ last line of defense on the western bank of the Euphrates River on Tuesday with the Tiger Forces leading the way by pushing quickly southwards towards Abu Kamal.

Following a major breakthrough earlier in the day, the SAA proceeded to impose full control over an additional four villages, namely: Al-Hasarat, Al-Barhm, Al-Salam and Al-Maslakha.

Effectively, the Tiger Forces are just a few kilometers from linking up with government forces at Abu Kamal. If the next round of counter-insurgency operations go to plan, the Islamic State mainland will be split down the middle and government forces will have ringed a major ISIS pocket that stretches from the eastern fringes of Homs through to southwestern Deir Ezzor.

According to a military source close to Al-Masdar News, SAA pincers are expected to meet up north of Abu Kamal some time during tomorrow, effectively dooming hundreds of ISIS insurgents inside a large desert enclave.