Syrian Army eyes ISIL’s last stronghold in southeast Raqqa

The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) is preparing to launch a massive attack on the Islamic State’s (ISIL) last stronghold in the southeastern countryside of the Al-Raqqa Governorate.

Backed by Raqqawi tribal fighters and the 124th Regiment of the Republican Guard, the Syrian Army’s Tiger Forces is positioning themselves to attack the key town of Ma’adan, which is considered the most important north of the Deir Ezzor-Raqqa provincial border.

Ma’adan is strategically situated along the Deir Ezzor-Raqqa Highway and Euphrates River, making this town a top priority for the Syrian Army’s High Command.

However, unlike the Syrian Army’s previous attack in Resafa, the Islamic State will not give up this town without putting up a fight.

As the terrorist group demonstrated on Thursday, they will continue to launch attacks and harass the government forces in order to prevent them from advancing further into their heartland near the Iraqi border.