SYRIA: The U.S.-backed Syrian force expects a ‘decisive battle’ on the last patch of Islamic State (IS) territory near the Iraqi border.

For the U.S.-backed Syrian force, capturing Baghouz — an eastern Syrian village on the bank of the Euphrates River — will be a milestone in international efforts to roll back the IS militants, according to agencies.

The Syrian Democratic Forces fought with IS for nearly 18 hours inside Baghouz on Sunday, according to Marvan Qamishlo, an SDF military media official.

Qamishlo said their forces are advancing at a slow pace to avoid complications.

The IS militants holed up in the area are mostly foreigners, Qamishlo said. (Agencies)