Zarif Lauds Syria’s Military Gains in Deir Ez-Zor, Reaffirms Iran’s Support

TEHRAN (defapress) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif congratulated the Syrian government and nation on breaking a three-year siege imposed by Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group on the city of Deir ez-Zor, and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting its ally in the war on terrorism.

News ID: 65869

Date: 07 September 2017 - 16:16

In a telephone conversation with his Syrian counterpart Walid al-Muallem on Wednesday, Zarif highlighted the strong ties between Tehran and Damascus, stressing the need for the enhancement of relations in all fields.

He also pledged that Iran will keep supporting Syria in the fight against terrorism until the Arab country’s ultimate victory against Takfiri militants, SANA reported.

For his part, Muallem expressed gratitude to Iran for its backing for Syria, and underlined that his country’s Army will continue the battle against terrorist groups until the liberation of all Syrian territories.

On Tuesday, the Syrian troops and allied forces broke a three-year on Deir ez-Zor. They had been advancing towards the city on several fronts in recent weeks, and on Tuesday reached the western outskirts of the city after Daesh defenses collapsed.

The advancing forces had joined up with fellow soldiers at the previously besieged government-held air base known as Brigade 137 on the city’s western edge.

Syria has been gripped by civil war since March 2011 with various terrorist groups, including Daesh, currently controlling parts of it.

According to a report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the country’s pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders.