The Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and Tribal Forces have reportedly retreated from 3 more villages on the western bank of the Euphrates River under the pressure of ISIS, according to some local sources.
ISIS units reportedly entered in the villages of Subkhah, Huwayjiah, al-Sharidan and Zur Shama after SAA troops (up to 60, according to some sources) had withdrawn from the area.
Pro-government sources deny these reports and say that an intense fighting is now ongoing in the area of Subkhah.
Earlier this week, the SAA Tiger Forces sent reinforcements to the southern Raqqah in order to assist Tribal Forces and the SAA to repel the ISIS advance.
However, it looks that the government forces defense is vulnerable in southern Raqqah now because a notable part of the SAA manpower is involved in the ongoing operation against ISIS in the province of Homs.