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.