Syrian Forces and SDF Face-off Each Other Along Euphrates
Newsclick Image by Nitesh Kumar
A faceoff has ensued between Syrian forces and the US backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as they advance in Deir ezzor against the Islamic State (IS). The IS is facing expulsion in the in this eastern province of Syria along Euphrates valley.
According to fresh reports from the ground, the SDF led by Kurdish forces has come under attack near the Al Sinaa area along the banks of Euphrates, seemingly, from the Syrian Arab Air Force or the Russian warplanes.
The face-off between the government forces and SDF comes as both of them raced towards Deir ezzor from the western and the eastern side of the Euphrates River respectively to push IS from the province. Deir ezzor is strategically located along the Syria-Iraq border and is rich in oil and gas reserves.
After they launched the latest offensive a week ago, the US backed SDF had said they will not let the government forces cross the Euphrates river which runs through the province before entering Iraq through Al Bukamal area.
A Deir ezzor Military Council commander, Ahmed Abu Khawla, who fights along the SDF, added they have informed the Syrian forces about their advance and any firing in the area will be considered as an attack on the council.
Ignoring council’s remarks, however, the Syrian forces pushed into the river’s eastside, a month after SAA entered the province to break the IS siege laid in the city nearly three years ago.
The two sides were on the verge of military confrontation after a top official with President Bashar al Assad Bouthaina Shaaban said that the allied forces will thwart any force – whether the IS or the US backed militants - for the complete liberation of the war-torn country. Deir ezzor’s taking is also seen as vital as its resource-rich base will help the country in rebuilding and also secure a strategic highway along the border.
The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has reportedly captured key areas in the province like AL Baghiliyah, Huwaijat and Muraieiah, southeast of Deir Ezzor Airport. The SAA also took over Ayyash area, located in the northwest of Deir Ezzor city.
The fresh advance in the province also indicates, according to military observers, that the government forces will first work for its consolidation by completely overthrowing the IS in the remaining parts before making further advance towards the Iraqi border.
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