Moderate rebel forces pressed their advance in the Syrian desert, recapturing territory from the Islamic State (ISIS) near the Iraqi border, rebel media said Tuesday.
Younes al-Salameh, media officer for Jaish Usud al-Sharqiya (Lions of the East Army), said his group has captured Bir Mdad and clashes are still underway near the Makhoul area.
Rebel groups Usud al-Sharqiya and Liwa' Shuhada' al-Qaryatian have expelled ISIS from Bir al-Afaei hilltops in eastern Qalamoun, Salameh added.
This week, rebels have taken the ISIS checkpoints in Sabe' Biar, Makhoul, Zaza, Sais, Sad al-Rysha and hilltops in Jabal Batra near the Jordanian border.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
