Hundreds killed in intense battles in Syria's Deir al-Zour

Intense battles are ongoing in Syria's eastern province of Deir al-Zour since Jan. 16 between Syrian government forces and the Islamic State (IS) militant group, reported a monitor group Thursday.

On Jan. 16, IS unleashed a widescale offensive against Syrian army posts and gained ground where clashes were focused in the northwestern part of Deir al-Zour, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The London-based watchdog group said the battles are coupled with daily airstrikes by government forces targeting clash sites.

It added that over 200 government soldiers lost their lives since the start of the battle compared with 110 IS militants.

The group, which relies on a network of on ground activists, said IS is benefitting from the rough weather conditions in its progress against Syrian military posts.

It added that IS succeeded in capturing sections of the Ayash arms depot and the al-Saeka military camp during its offensive.

IS's progress and the arms depot capture enabled IS to open a supply route between its controlled areas in Deir al-Zour and the recently fallen areas in the northwestern area of the city.

Following the group's offensive in Deir al-Zour, IS stormed the town of Bughailiyeh killing over 200 civilians, then tossing their bodies in the Euphrates river, according to the Observatory.

It added that 400 civilians were kidnapped by IS.

Later, 270 of those kidnapped who were either minors or seniors were released.

However, the rest will most likely be subjected to interrogations by IS on charges of cooperating with Syria's army.

IS has recently suffered defeats in Syria due to the progress of Syrian ground troops, supported by intense Russian air cover.

IS is expected to boldly work on strengthening its posts in Deir al-Zour, due to its strategic location beside the Iraqi border's oil fields, as the province is one of the richest oil-provinces among other Syrian provinces, one of IS's main lifelines. Endit