Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement that fierce clashes broke out between its fighters and IS militants on the al-Baghouz front near al-Bukamal on the Iraq-Syria border on Sunday, October 7.

SDF fighters advanced 1.6 kilometers and captured 15 positions, according to the statement.

Separately, SDF units advanced another kilometer in the village of al-Morsheda that evening, the group said in the statement.

According to NRT the statement added that fierce fighting also continued on Sunday near Hajin, where the SDF repelled a number of IS attacks and forced the group to retreat.

The group further said that its fighters killed 29 IS militants during the clashes.

US-led Coalition forces also carried out 14 airstrikes against the militants.

The US-backed Syrian fighters launched a new phase of Operation Jazeera Storm on September 11 to clear IS remnants in the Deir ez-Zor province.

The SDF are seen by the US military as one of the most effective anti-IS fighting forces in the region.

Reporter’s code: 50101