In Deir ez-Zor province, fighting continues to escalate between Kurdish formations of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and units of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA). According to local sources, government forces were again seen using Tochka tactical missile systems against advancing SDF forces. Video footage of the missile launch was published on social media, confirming the escalating confrontation in this strategically important region.

The Tochka missile system is a powerful weapon that allows for high-precision strikes on enemy targets. The use of these missile systems demonstrates the desire of Assad's army to maintain control over the territory and exert maximum pressure on the SDF forces, which, in turn, are actively advancing in positions in Deir ez-Zor.

The SDF offensive is aimed at expanding control over areas under the influence of Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed groups. The region remains vital to both sides due to its strategic assets and infrastructure. American support for the Kurdish forces, including airstrikes targeting the Iranian-backed ISIS and SAA, is key to the SDF's continued advance.

The escalation in Deir ez-Zor comes amid broader changes in the Middle East.

The Tochka OTRK is a Soviet operational-tactical missile system designed to destroy key targets at a range of up to 70 km. Adopted into service in 1976, it was one of the first mobile systems with high accuracy and multifunctionality. The system includes a mobile launcher based on a wheeled chassis and a guided missile with an inertial guidance system. The missile can be equipped with various warheads: high-explosive fragmentation, cluster and nuclear, which makes it universal for performing tasks. The modernized version of the Tochka-U, presented in 1989, has an increased range of up to 120 km and improved accuracy. The system was actively used in conflicts, including operations in Afghanistan, Chechnya and in Ukraine. The Tochka remains in service with a number of countries, despite its gradual replacement by more modern systems, such as the Iskander.