File photo: A member of Deir al-Zor military council which fights under the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands in a military tank in Deir al-Zor province, Syria August 25, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces alliance (SDF) has launched an operation against Islamic State militants in the north of Deir al-Zor province in eastern Syria, a statement said on Saturday.

The statement from the Deir al-Zor Military Council, fighting as part of the SDF, said assaults would aim to drive the jihadist militants out of areas they hold north and east of the Euphrates river.