BEIRUT, LEBANON (1:45 P.M.) – Amid earlier reports that elite Syrian forces crossed to the eastern bank of the Euphrates River also now comes reports that the Syrian Arab Army has carried out an amphibious assault on a strategic ISIS-held island to the east of Deir Ezzor city.
Hours ago, word came in from military sources that the Syrian Army struck at ISIS positions on the Euphrates island of Hawijat Sakr.
The size of the Syrian Army assault force is currently unknown; likewise the strength of Islamic State forces on the island also unknown.
In any case, the operation was last reported to still be ongoing without any mention to the degree of resistance being encountered by Syrian troops.
Should Syrian forces liberate Sakr island, then ISIS militants trapped in Deir Ezzor city will be further isolated and their chances of fleeing in safety via crossing the Euphrates (the only route now open) will be greatly reduced.