Syrian army kills 60 IS militants

Damascus, Aug 3 (IANS) The Syrian army carried out offensive against a town held by the Islamic State (IS) group in Deir al-Zour on Tuesday, killing 60 of them, state news agency SANA reported.

The military units attacked IS positions in the town of Jnaineh, two kilometers west of Deir al-Zour, Xinhua news agency quoted SANA as saying.

It added that the military units also foiled an attack by the IS on government-controlled parts in that oil-rich province, killing dozens of them, including the commander who was leading the attack.

The IS controls much of the countryside of Deir al-Zour province, except the city, which is still under the government control, but besieged by the IS.