Infiltration attempt | 11 Turkish-backed militiamen killed in clashes with SDF nearby Ain Issa

Syrian Observatory activists have monitored violent clashes between Turkish-backed factions and SDF in Mu’allaq village nearby Ain Issa in northern Al-Raqqah. According to SOHR sources, SDF ambushed a group of Turkish-backed factions while sneaking into SDF positions in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

 

The clashes left 11 fatalities among the Turkish-backed factions, while several SDF fighter were killed and wounded. The death toll is expected to rise further as several combatants were injured, some seriously. There are also unconfirmed reports of more casualties.

 

The clashes, which renewed this morning in an attempt be the factions to recover their fatalities, were accompanied by exchange of violent and intensive shelling between both sides. Moreover, Turkish forces shelled positions in Ain Issa and surrounding areas in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

 

On Sunday, SOHR sources said that Turkish forces continued their rocket attacks on SDF-held areas in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah, as Turkish artillery fire targeted positions in Ain Issa area north of Al-Raqqah. Meanwhile, several shells hit Ain Issa checkpoint, injuring two members of the Internal Security Forces “Asayish”.

 

On November 19, reliable sources in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah informed SOHR that Turkish forces started establishing a new military base in Tamameeh village in rural Ain Issa, nearly two kilometres away from Ain Issa district, which is under the control of Syria Democratic Forces and regime forces. Meanwhile, Turkish forces started bringing in logistical supplies and building materials to the area.