The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Media Centre said in a statement that they are "taking effective measures to stop the expansion of ISIS."

The statement added: "The terrorist organization ISIS has recently declared control over significant portions of the Homs and Deir ez-Zor desert, seizing numerous cities and strategic positions from the Damascus government forces.

As the terrorist organization tries to continue its expansion to other unprotected areas, our forces have implemented comprehensive and controlled measures to counter these threats."

The statement continued: "Our forces have taken extensive and controlled measures and will intervene effectively to counter any attempt by ISIS to expand into our areas and prevent a repeat of the 2014 scenario."