Syrian army claims 200 ISIS militants killed in Deir ez-Zor
The Syrian army claims to have killed more than 200 ISIS militants during a three-day assault on Deir ez-Zor. While ISIS has controlled the city since early 2015 it has been gradually losing territory to the Syrian armed forces. Since January, the military has been moving to retake the city with support from Russian air strikes. There has been no independent verification of the situation, although the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggested around 50 ISIS militants were killed. 

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The Syrian army claims to have killed more than 200 Isis militants in a three-day assault on the eastern city of Deir ez-Zor.

A spokesperson for the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) said Isis is thought to have suffered the heavy casualties as it struggled to maintain control over the western district of the provincial capital.

The number was reported by the Al-Masdar news agency, though it cannot be independently verified and Isis releases no information on casualties.

Deir ez-Zor has been under Isis control since the beginning of 2015. In January, the SAA supported by Russian jets led a counter attack to recapture some occupied areas.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the number of Isis militants killed in clashes “rose to 50”.

Photos were released by the Syrian Arab Army’s 104th Airbourne Brigade, which they claim show Isis fighters lying dead across the desert of Deir ez-Zor – the seventh largest city in Syria.

Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Show all 10 1 / 10 Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Graffiti on the ancient stones reads in Arabic ‘Shooting without the permission of the chief is prohibited’ Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Damaged artefacts lay inside the museum of the historic city of Palmyra Reuters Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Syrian pro-government forces rest by Palmyra Citadel as they take control of the city from the hands of Isis Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The UNESCO world heritage site appears surprisingly intact after its recapture from the militant group Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Many had feared the ancient city would be destroyed following its capture by Isis in May Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Smoke billows from the Palmyra Citadel as Assad’s forces drive the Jihadist group from the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Palmyra is one of the ‘most important cultural centers of the world’ Unesco says Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces Pro-government forces play football in the streets following the recapture of the city Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The extent of the destruction caused by Isis’ 10 month occupation of the city has yet to be fully realised Getty Palmyra recaptured by Syrian government forces Palmyra recaptured by Syrian pro-government forces The City Council of Palmyra building in ruins Reuters

The SAA also posted a graphic video of what they described as the “aftermath of Isis’ attack in Dair al-Zoor” on their Facebook page.

Isis are thought to have lost several field commanders during the battle, reports AhluBayt news agency.

The state news agency Sana reported that regime forces took back a hospital in Deir ez-Zor where Isis had allegedly taken doctors, patients and civilians hostage.

The SAA reported to have suffered 41 casualties during the three days of fighting. Isis previously launched an offensive on the Deir ez-Zor military air-base in December.

In January around 300 civilians were massacred by Isis in Deier ez-Zor, according to local media.