The U.S.-backed and YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will soon launch an offensive to oust Islamic State militants from Deir al-Zor province, an official from the alliance told Reuters on Friday.

Ahmed Abu Khawla, head of the Deir al-Zor Military Council which fights under the SDF, said the assault might begin “within several weeks” in parallel with the battle for Raqqa city.