Syrian rebel group just trying to get home

Jaish Usud al-Sharqiya, an internationally backed armed opposition group active in southern Syria, has made significant gains recently against the Islamic State in the south, but they eventually want to return to Deir ez-Zor.
TOPSHOT - US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), made up of an alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, advance in the village of Sabah al-Khayr on the northern outskirts of Deir Ezzor as they drive to encircle the Islamic State (IS) group bastion of Raqa on February 21, 2017. The SDF made a major incursion into the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor as part of their push for Raqa, field commander Dejwar Khabat said. / AFP / DELIL SOULEIMAN (Photo credit should read DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Image
US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, made up of an alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters, advance in the village of Sabah al-Khayr on the northern outskirts of Deir ez-Zor, Syria, Feb. 21, 2017. - DELIL SOULEIMAN/AFP/Getty Images
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Shelly Kittleson
@shellykittleson

ISTANBUL — An armed opposition group receiving international support has made significant gains in Syria recently against the Islamic State (IS) in the southern desert area and close to the capital.

The core of the group — called Jaish Usud al-Sharqiya (Lions of the East Army) — is from Syria’s easternmost province, Deir ez-Zor. Its leader, Tlass al-Salama, told Al-Monitor that the group's main aim is to return to the area, which will almost certainly be IS’ last stronghold in the country.

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