Islamic State militants regained control of Albu Kamal, their last stronghold in Syria, after Iranian-backed militias who claimed to have captured the city a few days earlier were forced to retreat, Reuters reports.
"Islamic State militants began surprise attacks with suicide bombers and rocket attacks after the Iranian militias were duped that Daesh (Islamic State) had left the city," said Qahtan Ghanam al Ali, a tribal leader in touch with relatives.