DAMASCUS, May 18 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) militant group on Monday executed seven pro-government fighters in the desert region of Deir al-Zour Province in eastern Syria, a war monitor reported.
The seven fighters were executed in the desert of Deir al-Zour between the countryside of Deir al-Zour and the town of Sukhneh in the remote eastern countryside of Homs Province, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The execution comes hours after the IS cut off the road connecting Deir al-Zour with the capital Damascus.
The Britain-based watchdog said the Syrian forces brought reinforcements to the area amid battles with the IS militants.
The IS lost key areas in eastern and northern Syria but is still holding parts of the Syrian desert in the east of the country. Enditem
