Daesh Attacks Syrian Forces' Stronghold After US-Led Coalition Strike - Source

Daesh (IS) terrorist group fighters have mounted a heavy offensive against the Syrian army near a military airport in the city of Deir ez-Zor in the country's northeast, a military source told RIA Novosti Saturday.

ALEPPO (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said that the US-led coalition in Syria had carried out four attacks on Syrian government forces, killing 62 servicemen and injuring about 100.

"After the airstrikes, the terrorists started attacking army positions. It looked like air support. Heavy fighting is now ongoing," the source said.

The Operation Inherent Resolve press office previously declined to comment the issue, referring the question to the US Central Command. Earlier in the day, the coalition announced it carried out a strike against Daesh supply routes near the city.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups, including Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia. The government-held city of Deir Ez-Zor has been under siege from IS since July 2014.

The US-led coalition has been carrying out anti-Daesh strikes since September 2014 without Syrian government consent.