Islam Army commander in Deir Ezzor freed as airstrikes hit IS strongholds

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Syrian regime airstrikes on Islamic State’s strongholds in Deir Ezzor province were behind releasing tens of rebels who held captives by the radical group, including Islam Army top commander, activists said on Sunday.

Captain Islam Alloush, military spokesman of Islam Army, has assured the release of Salim Khaled, commander of Deir Ezzor after months of detention by IS.

IS fighters took full control of the rebel-held areas of the eastern city of Deir Ezzor two months ago, where rival rebel groups fighting Bashar al-Assad’s forces either gave in and joined the IS or fled from the strategic Euphrates valley city, according to AFP.