On Tuesday, US-backed Syrian forces took a village from the Islamic State (ISIS) in eastern Deir ez-Zor province after heavy clashes, local activists said.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) seized control of al-Shajlah near the strategic Bagouz area, the last ISIS stronghold on the eastern bank of Euphrates River. The SDF captured half of the village of Bagouz last week.
The SDF, with the help of the US-led coalition, launched a wide offensive last week to capture the last pocket held by ISIS in Syria.
The Kurdish-led forces have been among the most effective in the fight against ISIS in Syria, forcing them out of much of the country's east.
At least six SDF fighters were killed in ISIS attacks on their checkpoints in eastern Deir ez-Zor province, activist said Saturday.
Taj al-Allow said two SDF fighters were killed by an improvised explosive device in the town of al-Ghranij. Two days later, four more fighters were killed by ISIS near the town.
The ISIS-linked Aamaq news agency said four SDF fighters were also killed in a surprise attack on their bastion in the Shuaitat area. Also four SDF fighters were found beheaded near the town of Sour.
In turn, the US-backed group killed at least 30 ISIS militants last week.
Despite losing most of the territory it held between Iraq and Syria since its peak in 2014, ISIS remains a disruptive force in both countries. Its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, urged his followers to "persevere" in an audiotape attributed to him last month.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
