Syrian War News Updates -- August 21, 2017

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Long War Journal: Analysis: The Syrian regime’s offensive towards Deir Ezzor

The Syrian regime is conducting a multi-axis offensive against the Islamic State’s stronghold in the Deir Ezzor province in eastern Syria. Russian support, including the negotiation of safe zones and air support, has been essential to the ongoing offensive. The Assad government, along with Iranian-backed fighters and its Russian allies, are advancing from both the west and the north, as depicted in the map above.

A victory in Deir Ezzor would be a landmark event for the regime, as its forces have been besieged by the Islamic State’s jihadists at the Deir Ezzor Airbase and the 137th Mechanized Army Base since July 2014. In January, the self-declared caliphate launched its own offensive in the city of Deir Ezzor, effectively cutting the Assad regime’s positions in two.

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Syrian War News Updates -- August 21, 2017

Syria war: Russian jets 'destroy IS convoy near Deir al-Zour' -- BBC
Russian air force destroys 200+ ISIS terrorists heading for Deir ez-Zor, Syria – MoD -- RT
Russian jets 'destroy ISIL column' in Syria -- Euronews
Russian air strike kills 200 Daesh militants in Deir Ez-Zor -- Middle East Monitor
Russian air strikes kill more than 200 Isis militants in Syria, claims Moscow -- International Business Times
ISIS terrorists pulling strongest units to Deir ez-Zor for last stand – Russian MoD -- RT
US-led strikes killed 27 civilians Sunday in Syria's Raqa: monitor -- AFP
Over 30 Daesh Militants Killed in Clashes With SDF in Raqqa - Reports -- Sputnik
Raqqa Families Make Daring Escapes From Islamic State Stronghold -- US News and World Report
Central Syria Almost Liberated From Terrorists - Russian General Staff -- Sputnik International
Syria's al-Assad praises Russia, Iran for help; rocket kills 5 at fair -- UPI
Syria: Bashar al-Assad rejects security cooperation with west -- The Guardian/AP
Turkey, Iran step up coordination in Syria -- Al-Monitor
In Blow to Iran, Egypt Becomes Surprise New Player in Syria -- Haaretz
Pentagon distances itself from allies of the U.S. partner force battling ISIS -- Military Times