Closing in on Isis

US-backed Syrian forces have captured 41 positions held by Isis (Islamic State) militants and destroyed their fortifications in the last tiny pocket they hold in eastern Syria amid fierce fighting, a spokesman said yesterday. Mustafa Bali said the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces made the advances hours after they launched a final push to clear the area from Isis militants. The final battle to clear the village of Baghouz is playing out after 20,000 civilians were evacuated from the area in the eastern province of Deir-el-Zour over the past few weeks.