The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are expected to officially launch a new operation this Tuesday with a press statement issued in the district of Shedade, in Hasaka. 

SDF commanders and regional tribal leaders will also be present at the press conference.

The SDF are closing in on DAESH mercenaries around Deir Ez-Zor. In fact DAESH has been confined to the area of Hajin, at the border with Iraq. 

The anti-DAESH International Coalition is also taking part in the operation. There is also information of clashes in the province. 

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the SDF had been amassing fighters and equipment and beefing up their positions for weeks ahead of the campaign.

Air strikes and heavy fighting have been reported in the province. 

DAESH have been losing strength and territory since the resistance in Kobane. The SDF liberated areas like Raqqa and Manbij and the mercenaries have been confined to ever smaller parts of Syria. 

Indeed coalition spokesperson Sean Ryan said that DAESH still held an estimated 1,000 square kilometres (under 400 square miles) in the Euphrates Valley.

“The challenges ahead include a difficult fight and it will not be easy,” said Ryan, adding that IS' use of mines “will make fighting slower than expected”.