The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) made a major incursion into the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor as part of their push for Raqa, field commander Dejwar Khabat said. Deir Ezzor province lies just east of Raqa, and is almost completely held by IS. “We have entered the first villages of Deir Ezzor province,” said Abu Khawlah, who heads the 1,700-strong Deir Ezzor Military Council, an Arab component of the SDF. “Our entry into Deir Ezzor was a big surprise (for IS), and thre will be more surprises coming,” he said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday’s advance was the SDF’s “biggest incursion” yet into Deir Ezzor province.

Source: Manila Times February 22, 2017 03:56 UTC