RT News - October 15, 2017 (17:00 MSK)

Another setback for Islamic State, as the Syrian army liberates the city of al-Mayadin - one of the terror group's last strongholds in the east of the country. Plus, in our review of the week's biggest stories. As the Syrian army continues to repel ISIL from Deir ez-Zor province - Murad Gazdiev hears the story of two girls, whose battle for survival isn't over, even with the terrorists gone. Failed expectations and more uncertainty:  Catalonia's president gives ambiguous signals on the region's independence, and Madrid orders him to clarify whether he's actually declared it or not. The 'World Festival of Youth and Students' opens in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi. We're live at the opening ceremony.