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Conflict in Syria

Syrian army clashes with Islamic State in Abu Kamal — SANA

The government forces have encircled the enemy, cutting off retreat in the direction of the Syrian border with Iraq

© AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed

MOSCOW, November 18. /TASS/. The Syrian army and its allies have entered a final phase of the operation to retake outskirts of the Syrian city of Abu Kamal (some 140 km from Deir ez-Zor) from the Islamic State terrorist group (outlawed in Russia), Syrian SANA news agency said on Saturday.

The government forces have encircled the enemies, cutting off retreat in the direction of the Syrian border with Iraq.

Syrian troops regained control of the road connecting al-Myadeen and Abu Kamal, of the former military airfield Hamdan and a train station "after inflicting heavy losses on terrorists."

The Al Mayadeen television says that the army and militias are fighting against elite units of Islamic State named Jaysh al-Khalifa. The militants use a network of underground tunnels for surprise attacks. A week ago, they managed to infiltrate into the areas earlier retaken by Syrian government forces. At present, the government troops besieged terrorists’ last strongholds.

SANA said that "army units are advancing slowly and carefully in the city streets because of the numerous mines and explosive devices that Daesh [an Arabic acronym of Islamic State] planted everywhere.".

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Syrian conflict

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Trump nominates billionaire Feinberg as US Deputy Secretary of Defense

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Damage to Portuguese Embassy in Kiev caused by Ukrainian air defense — Russian diplomats

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Oreshnik test launch forces London to take a step back — Russian ambassador

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Serbia will never joint anti-Russian sanctions, deputy prime minister vows

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Civilian manufacturers ramp up drone production to 40,000 units per month

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An-2 plane missing in Kamchatka located, survivors found — regional emergencies ministry

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Putin agrees 'Russian world' now faces war

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CIA station in Kiev targeted in recent Russian attack, military expert reveals

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Trump appoints TV producer Burnett as special envoy to UK

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Press review: EU imposes new anti-Russian sanctions and Russia braces for NATO conflict

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Russian forces create bridgehead near Kupyansk-Uzlovoy in Kharkov Region — expert

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Israeli delegation discussing in Doha ways of reaching deal om Gaza — TV

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