Syrian Army pushes deep behind ISIS’ defensive line north of Deir Ezzor

On Thursday, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) officially secured a buffer zone around the newly liberated airport at the eastern city of Deir Ezzor.

According to Al-Masdar News field correspondent Ibrahim Joudeh, the SAA’s Tiger Forces (elite assault troops) are storming through the Baghiliyah District as we speak and have so far captured the Al-Jazeera University, Al-Rawad area, Baghiliyah fuel station and the district’s main street.

The source added that approximately 80% of the neighborhood has been brought under government control while a few dozen ISIS insurgents remain bogged down in isolated houses on the western bank of the Euphrates River.

Nearby, SAA units are also advancing rapidly inside the Jafrah and Al-Mayirah suburbs that are located southeast of Deir Ezzor Airbase.

With the SAA enjoying superior manpower and weaponry against ISIS, gains are taking place at an unprecided pace largely due to dozens of armored vehicles being sent to Deir Ezzor every day after government forces have suffered from a tank shortage for years.