200 IS militants killed as Russian jets pound Syria’s Deir al-Zor

“Islamic State is concentrating its forces around Deir al-Zor after being pushed out of the south of Raqqa Province and the west of Homs Province by Syrian land forces and the Russian air force, officials from the ministry said. 

They also said its planes had also destroyed the militants’ military equipment. It, however, did not say when the strike took place. 

According to the agencies, Russian planes in Syria have flown more than 300 sorties over the past five days, launching more than 800 strikes on the extremist group. 

Moscow, which backs President Assad’s forces in the war, has been bombing ISIL positions along the frontline in Deir al Zour to try to stop the government enclave from falling. The jihadists still control most of the province but in several places Syrian troops and militia allies have taken many towns.