The last Islamic State stronghold in central Syria, ‘Uqayribat, is expected to fall to the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and their allies in the next 48 hours, Al-Masdar News cited sources as saying.

‘Uqayribat has been under the Islamic State’s control since late August 2014; it was one of the first towns to fall to the terrorist group during their east Hama campaign.

The liberation of ‘Uqayribat is a top priority for the Syrian Arab Army’s High Command due to the fact several roadways flow through the town.

Several pro-government pages on Thursday night claimed that the Syrian military is negotiating a deal with the Islamic State that will allow the remaining terrorists in ‘Uqayribat to leave through a corridor at the eastern part of the Al-Salamiyah District.

If true, this means the Islamic State’s last pocket in central Syria will soon fall to the Syrian Arab Army and their allies.