Damascus: In a tragic turn of events on Monday, Daesh militants carried out a lethal assault on a Syrian army checkpoint located in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor. 

The attack, which took place in the town of Mayadeen, about 100 kilometers from the Iraqi border, resulted in the loss of 10 soldiers' lives, with several others left wounded.

Reportedly, the militants utilized a stolen military vehicle to approach the checkpoint, launching a sudden barrage of gunfire upon the soldiers stationed there.

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Swiftly responding to the aggression, the Syrian army engaged in a counteroffensive, successfully eliminating several of the militants. Regrettably, a portion of the assailants managed to escape.

This incident marks the latest in a series of fatal strikes carried out by Daesh within Syrian borders. Although the group suffered a significant blow with its defeat in Raqqa back in 2017, it maintains pockets of influence across different parts of the country.

Persistently embroiled in a civil war, the Syrian government faces immense challenges in maintaining control. The conflict's toll has been staggering, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost and millions displaced.

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The audacious attack on the Syrian army checkpoint serves as a grim reminder of Daesh's enduring threat. Despite setbacks, the group remains capable of orchestrating deadly assaults, representing a formidable security concern for the Syrian government.

In an official statement, the Syrian army unequivocally labeled the attack as a "terrorist" act and pledged to bring the culprits to justice. Undeterred, the army vowed to continue its resolute battle against Daesh and other extremist factions.

The international community swiftly condemned the attack, with the United Nations calling for an immediate cessation of violence in Syria. Labelling the incident a "heinous crime," the UN emphasized the necessity of condemning it "in the strongest terms."

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The United States also expressed its condemnation, extending condolences to the victims' families. The US reinforced its commitment to collaborating with allies to combat Daesh and other terrorist groups, reiterating the significance of collective efforts in overcoming this enduring threat.