<p>The Syrian regime and allies advanced against Islamic State (IS) north of the hills of Safa in southeast Damascus, on Wednesday, August 29, said the Syrian state-run news channel, SANA</a>.</p><p>Footage released by pro-government media shows regime forces active on the border of the Damascus Province Desert and Sweida</a>.</p><p>The UK based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights</a> reported that the regime forces were attempting further advances in the area, clamping down on IS, which has been holding at least 28</a> women and children hostage since July 25.</p><p>Anti-Syrian government media</a> reported that a number of members of the regime forces and allies were killed by IS on Wednesday. Credit: War Media via Storyful</p><br />
