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Whilst President Trump recently claimed that the savage terror group had been ‘decimated’ in Syria, the recent attack proves that several enclaves in the deserts of the east not only live on but are expanding.

Islamic State (ISIS) militants made the advances in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zour, close to the border with Iraq, and launched the murderous offensive during a sandstorm.

At least 40 of the US-backed Syrian Democratic forces (SDF) were killed and several reportedly taken hostage, as ISIS also made territorial gains.

Colonel Sean Ryan, a spokesman for the US-led coalition, said they have no confirmation of exact figures "as both sides are taking casualties." He called it a "difficult fight."