The SDF in Deir Ezzor hunt Isis from Safafinah, one of his last three strongholds in the MERV, and are targeting Shajlah and Marashidah. The militiamen of the Islamic State can attempt to escape from Jazeera Storm only by crossing the Euphrates

The SDF at Deir Ezzor defeat Isis also in Safafinah. Operation Round Up (Jazeera Storm) troops in less than a day of battle have driven the Islamic State out of the village. Now the Syrian fighters are targeting the last two centers, still in the hands of the jihadists: Marashidah and Shajlah. The goal now is to separate the militia into two isolated groups, so they can attack them more easily from three axes: north, south and east. Once taken, IS will have officially lost its war in the Middle Euphrates River Valley (MERV) and its presence in the country will be limited to the Badia desert, between Homs and Deir Ezzor. Moreover, the fundamentalists in the west are closed by the Euphrates and their only escape route is across it in the direction of Abu Kamal. Here, however, the Syrian army (SAA) has strengthened the garrisons to intercept any attempts.

In all likelihood, Daesh will fight his final battle in Marashidah

In all likelihood, Isis will fight his final battle for survival in MERV in Marashidah. In fact, the southern axis of Jazeera Storm is already attacking Shajlah and has arrived on the outskirts of the village. At the same time, the militiamen of the Islamic State are turning north-west, towards the only place still protected against the SDF offensive. This will not last long, however. According to forecasts, the attack on the last Daesh stronghold could take place by the end of the week. His conquest will sanction the definitive defeat of the jihadists in Deir Ezzor. Operations, however, will not stop. The Syrian fighters will proceed to eliminate all the small pockets and the sleeping cells of the militia, as well as to clean up the land from mines and bombs placed by IS, to return the population to their homes as soon as possible.