MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The encirclement became possible due to the Syrian government forces' rapid offensive supported by Russian aviation.
"Another encirclement was created to the east of Ithriya. It became possible to do that due to the rapid offensive actions of the units of Gen. Hassan Suhel with the support of the Russian Aerospace Forces jets," Rudskoy said.
20 August 2017, 07:26 GMT
Moreover, Daesh terrorists have been encircled in the province of Hama. According to some reports, several thousand terrorists have now been trapped in Akerbat town. The Russian Aerospace Forces assisted in the operation.
The operation is part of the current operation to free the besieged city of Deir ez-Zor.
Akerbat is a small town located northwest of the ancient city of Palmyra. It is strategically important due to its location near the highway connecting Palmyra and Salamiyah.
