Russia, the Assad regime and Iran-backed Shiite groups, which launched a three-prong attack with 24,000 troops, have reached approximately 16 kilometers from eastern Syria’s Deir ez-Zor city center. Deir ez-Zor is known for its high petrol yield.
The Syrian regime, which controls the Matar, Deir ez-Zor and Cura areas, advanced 18 kilometers in the last three days.
Deir ez-Zor delegation Chairman Abu Ismet told Yeni Şafak that Russia, the Assad regime and Iran-backed Shiite groups were advancing in the region of the Madan area south of Raqqa, Sukna-El Sholah and Hmeimim.
Abu Ismet added that Daesh positions were being bombarded with land and air attacks and that the most progress had been made in the direction of Sholah.
An unannounced agreement had been reached during the most recent regional evaluation regarding the axis of deployment of the PYD, the Kurdistan Workers Party’s (PKK) Syrian offshoot, and U.S. in the east of the Euphrates and the regime forces stationed to the west, Abu Ismet said, adding that he was present during the evaluations.
The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union and the United States.
"The dominance of the PKK-PYD in the east of the Euphrates will be clearer in the coming days," said Abu Ismet, who stated that he would not give up Deir ez-Zor, the Middle East’s most productive petrol reserves.
Abu Ismet, who said that the U.S. and the PYD prepared a large-scale operation from the al-Hasakah-Sheddadi region, added that Mayadin town, the most strategic point of the region, is of great importance for both sides.
