First, let's talk about Syria. Syrian government troops backed by Russian VKS launch a large-scale offensive near strategically important Deir ez-Zor.
They have already managed to drive the militants 7 km back, over the river Euphrates. Our special correspondent Alexander Bilibov managed to get to that part of Syria. Recently Deir ez-Zor could be reached only by helicopter. But even now, when the ground way to the city is open, it's faster and safer by air. But to be on the safe side, two armed helicopters are accompanying us.
These are the ruins of ancient Tadmor. It was from Palmyra Syrian government forces fought their way to Deir ez-Zor. Last week, after Russia's 'Kalibr' missiles strike against ISIS terrorists, the Republican Guard units managed to break the siege of militants.
We're landing about 10 km from the city. It's dangerous to fly closer. Now we get into armored cars. Once in the city, you can see that the militants belabored Deir ez-Zor mercilessly, trying to destroy the population and push out the Syrian army garrison, which defended the city for 3 years.
We are very happy that we have peace now, we do not need to hide from these monsters from ISIS, we can leave the house without worrying that we won't return.
Deir ez-Zor streets greet the Russian military warmly. People remember air-delivered Russian humanitarian aid during the siege. It's still delivered now. Here's how the central and most active place in the city, Deir ez-Zor market, looks like now.
Last week there was almost no one here, but today it's crowded. People bring to the flea market everything they have at home: old dishes, irons, in an attempt to earn at least some money. Deir ez-Zor hospital is almost a military hospital now.
It is almost at the forefront, separated from the terrorists by less than a1 km. There are about 50 wounded in the wards The hospital is falling short of anesthesia drugs and ambulances. Everything else is abundant. In the suburbs of Deir ez-Zor, Syrian troops continue to develop their success.
The government troops managed to enter the town of Al Muria. Sarda and Carrum high points have been recovered from the militants. As a result, the army gained control over the road, used by ISIS to supply reinforcements and ammunition. Pseudo caliphate militants have been forced to the left bank of the Euphrates.
Now they are 5-7 kilometers from Deir ez-Zor. There are only a few small centers of terrorists' resistance in the city. The Syrian military expect to eliminate them in the next few days. Alexander Bilibov, Azat Atagonov and Oleg Solovyov for Vesti from Deir ez-Zor, Syria.
