Syria War News Updates -- February 22, 2017

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) gather in northern Deir al-Zor province ahead of an offensive against Islamic State militants, Syria February 21, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said

Reuters: U.S.-backed alliance enters Syria's Deir al-Zor province: Kurdish military source

The U.S.-backed Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance has crossed into Deir al-Zor province for the first time as part of an offensive against Islamic State, a Kurdish military source said on Tuesday.

The advance into the province, most of which is under the control of the ultra-hardline group, is part of an operation to encircle and ultimately capture its de facto Syrian capital of Raqqa in the north of the country.

One aim of the campaign is to cut IS's supply lines from Raqqa to Deir al-Zor province.

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Syria War News Updates -- February 22, 2017

Syria war: Arab-Kurdish fighters enter IS-held Deir al-Zour province -- BBC
Arab and Kurdish fighters close in on 'IS' Syria stronghold Raqqa -- DW
US-backed alliance enters Deir Az Zor province -- AL Jazeera
US-backed fighters advance on IS in Syria's east -- Middle East Eye
Syrian rebels clash with ISIL in northern Syria -- Euronews
Seizing Control of Syria's Al-Bab Important to Push for Raqqa: Turkish Official -- Reuters
Turkey says only 100 militants left in IS-held Syria battleground -- AFP
In surprise attack, IS affiliate captures land near Israeli-Syrian border -- The Times of Israel
Isis-affiliated fighters seize Syrian territory near Israeli border in surprise attack -- The Independent
Lavrov: Russia waiting for US to provide ‘details’ on proposed safe zones in Syria -- RT
Moscow Awaits Clarification on US Safe Zone Proposal in Syria -- Sputnik
Russian Aerospace Forces Have Eliminated Over 3,000 Militants in Syria in 2017 -- Sputnik
Russian defense minister happy with results of Syria mission -- AP
Defense chief praises Russian military's success in Syria -- TASS
Russian Defense Chief Says New Weapons Tested In Syria Campaign -- RFE
Russia and US might launch joint operations against terrorists in Raqqa — minister -- TASS
Turkey Envisions Joint Operation With US to Rid Syria of ISIS -- Newsweek/Reuters
Armed Opposition in Syria Receives Weapons From Abroad - Moscow -- Sputnik
CIA-backed aid for Syrian rebels frozen after Islamist attack -- The Independent
Who's Fighting In Syria? US Cuts CIA Rebel Aid After Attacks -- International Business Times
Russia asks Syria to halt bombing during UN peace talks -- AFP
U.N. mediator not expecting quick breakthrough in Syria peace talks -- Reuters
Syria peace talks: UN special envoy plans to give it 'a serious try' -- The Guardian
Syria's Geneva talks: 'Expectations pretty low' -- Al Jazeera
Long road ahead for justice and accountability in Syria -- AP
Dem senator asks for 'top to bottom' review of Syria policy -- The Hill