Syrian and allied troops have taken back Al-Mayadeen from Islamic State, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday. <br /> <br />The city is located 44 kilometres (27.3 miles) southeast of Deir ez-Zor and is thought to be one of the last strongholds of the terror group as they flee Raqqa. <br /> <br />Russian Defence Ministry Spokesperson Major General Igor Konashenkov confirmed that the city was retaken during a successful offensive operation carried out by Syrian government troops. <br /> <br />Footage shows the initial moments after the liberation of Al-Mayadeen as smoke billows above the houses of the deserted city. <br /> <br />The operation lasted less than three days.
