20 killed while fleeing last IS stronghold in eastern Syria

DAMASCUS, March 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 people were killed Friday while escaping the last Islamic State (IS)-held area in eastern Syria, the Saudi-funded Alarabyia TV reported.

The people were killed when two land mines exploded, according to the report.

Thousands of people have been fleeing the last IS-held areas in the eastern Euphrates River region in the eastern countryside of Deir al-Zour province to areas controlled by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

The SDF said Friday that all civilians in the town of Baghouz left the area, declaring launching the final push to eliminate IS from eastern Syria.