SDF troops advance on last remaining IS enclave in Deir ez-Zor (video)

 February 20, 2019 - 18:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reportedly advanced on the village of Baghouz in Deir ez-Zor Governorate on Tuesday, February 19. The village is said to be the last remaining enclave of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in the country, Al-Masdar News says.

Footage shows SDF military vehicles and fighters patrolling the war-torn area near Baghouz.

According to reports, around 300 militants and 2,000 civilians are under siege by the US-backed SDF, who are reportedly trying to evacuate people trapped inside.

“Baghouz is almost done, nothing is left [to retake] of it, except for a tiny place, but that tiny place has civilians, whom IS took hostage, to, as you know, protect themselves against fighter jets,” said Eidan al-Ahmad, a SDF battalion commander.