20.09.2017, Syria.
On September 18, the Syrian army began clear and hold operation in the northern areas of the city of Deir ez-Zor, RIA Novosti news agency reported.
The troops in the vanguard of the Syrian army crossed the Euphrates river. Engineer units built a pontoon bridge that was used to deploy assault teams and equipment to the northern area of the city of Deir ez-Zor.
The assault teams managed to dislodge ISIL (organization banned in Russia) militants out of a number of villages within a few hours and continue to advance. At the same time, the militants are retreating to the north and towards the city of Mayadin.
It should be noted that the terrorists continue to fiercely resist and try to block the advance of the Syrian government forces.
During the first hours of the fighting, the Syrian army eliminated several ISIL (organization banned in Russia) off-road vehicles equipped with machine-guns, as well as terrorists’ combat positions. More than a dozen militants were eliminated and captured.
The Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor was encircled by ISIL (organization banned in Russia) militants since 2014. The supplies to civilians and the troops defending the city were delivered by air. On September 5, 2017, the Syrian government army supported by Russian Aerospace Forces liberated the city of Deir ez-Zor.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
