Isis launched a counteroffensive against government troops and US-backed militias in eastern Syria yesterday.

The death cult claimed to have recaptured the towns of al-Shoula and Bi’r Ghabaghib, both recently taken by the army, in an attack spearheaded by suicide car bombers.

If true, that would mean Isis had cut the main road to Deir Ezzor city, where the government forces lifted a four-year siege this month.