The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Al-Raqqah | Russian and regime officers meet with SDF commanders in Ain Issa military base

Reliable SOHR sources have confirmed that a Russian officer and other regime officers have met with commanders of Syria Democratic Forces in the Russian military base in Ain Issa in northern Al-Raqqah. According to SOHR sources, the Russian forces installed thermographic cameras on Ain Issa base, just after the meeting. Meanwhile, the meeting’s outcomes have not been disclosed so far.

 

SOHR had shed light on the strategic importance of Ain Issa district, which could be materialized in its important junction linking between Aleppo and Al-Hasakah, via the international highway “M4” which runs through the district. Ain Issa is also distinguished by its local routes to Tal Abyad city on the Syria-Turkey border and Al-Raqqah city. Such important junction justifies SDF tenacious defence of Ain Issa.

 

Moreover, the “Autonomous Administration” established large number of civil installations, constructions and affiliated councils, after the International Coalition had set up its military base in 2016.

 

It is worth noting that SDF, backed by the International Coalition, captured Ain Issa in mid 2015 after fierce clashes against ISIS. Furthermore, Ain Issa, which hosts training camps and important command centres and headquarters of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) and SDF, is the capital of the “Autonomous Administration” in north-eastern Syria region.

 

Ain Issa is also the first defense line of Ain Al-Arab (Kobani), Manbij and Al-Raqqah cities, since it is located along key highways and has a key junction linking the areas of Ain Al-Arab, Tal Abyad and Manbij in Aleppo countryside together.