Syrian Army resumes offensive at large Deir Ezzor island

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) resumed their offensive at Hawijat Qati in Deir Ezzor, Thursday, targeting the Islamic State’s (ISIS) last positions at the northeastern part of this island.

Led by the Tiger Forces and 4th Mechanized Division, the Syrian Army liberated several parts of the island, forcing the remaining Islamic State terrorists to retreat to the northeastern shore of Hawijat Qati.

According to a military source in Deir Ezzor, the Syrian Arab Army now controls more than 80 percent of Hawijat Qati after Thursday’s advance.

However, the Syrian Army’s advance will stall in the coming days as the large presence of civilians trapped by the Islamic State will force them to negotiate with the terrorist group in order to get them to surrender Hawijat Qati.