Islamic State forces cut in half the last Syrian government enclave in an oil-rich eastern province, pro-government media and opposition activists said Tuesday, putting new pressure on the regime after the terror group suffered setbacks elsewhere. The group’s advances in Deir Ezzour—the capital of a province of the same name—came during a fierce Islamic State offensive. Islamic State has laid complete siege to the government-held part of the city for about two years. The extremists advanced despite heavy airstrikes by Syrian regime and allied Russian warplanes. Deir Ezzour province and neighboring Raqqa province form Islamic State’s most significant territorial foothold in Syria today.

Source: Fox News January 17, 2017 20:59 UTC