The US-backed Syrian Democratic forces (SDF) have launched their "final battle" against the Islamic state (IS) in Syria. The SDF spokesman, Mustafa Bali, the AFP news Agency announced.
"The forces of the SDF have started the battle against the Remnants of the terrorists," wrote Bali on Twitter. In the South-East of Syria, near the Iraqi border, to keep fighters of the radical Islamic militia occupied the village of Baghuz. It is the last territory under IS control in Syria.
After saving more than 20K civilians from the IS-held area and ensuring their safety in a nearby camp, #SDF started to move on to the last village remaining under the jihadists’ control in N. Syria. Village of Baghuz, which is the only remaining #ISIS pocket, will be cleared soon.
Mustafa Bali (@mustefabali) February 9, 2019
There to stay, according to the Bali for another 500 to 600 IS fighters. The Offensive of the Arabic-Kurdish Alliance had to be stopped in the last few days, because still "hundreds of civilians" in the village. The SDF have been evacuated, according to information from the already 20’000 people from the border village in the province of Deir Ezzor.
Foreign IS-fighters
The IS-fighters would civilians need as a human shield, says Bali to the news Agency. Nevertheless, he assumes that the "battle in the next few days is finished". In the case of the remaining members of the terrorist militia that it was mainly foreigners, says the SDF-speaker. Of foreign prisoners IS fighters testified.
With the support of the international Anti-IS coalition under the leadership of Washington, the Syrian Democratic forces have started in September, their last Offensive against the Islamic state in Syria.
As the Syrian territories are divided: Red: under control of the regime, Green: under the control of opponents of the regime, including jihadists, Yellow: under control of the SDF, Black: under the control of the IS. Source: Syrian Civil war Created Map (hvw/afp)
: 09.02.2019, 19:02 PM