Hizbullah Hails Syrian Breach of IS Siege

Hizbullah, whose fighters are among Iranian-backed forces pushing toward Syria's Deir Ezzor, congratulated Wednesday the Syrian leadership for breaching a siege by the Islamic State group on parts of the eastern city.

In a statement, the party said this latest achievement is a "prelude for the liberation of all remaining Syrian territory."

Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian forces and allied militiamen on Tuesday reached besieged troops in Deir Ezzor, breaking a nearly three-year siege by IS militants in a significant triumph against the extremists.

Hizbullah, in its statement, described it as a victory also for Syria's allies who stood by it, and said this would not have happened were it not for the "determination" of the Syrian leadership.