Russia’s military build-up | Forces set up new base south of Ain Issa, as shelling and clashes resume in eastern frontlines of Ain Issa in northern Raqqa

Reliable SOHR sources have confirmed that Russian forces have set up a new military base in the village of Kalta in southern countryside of Ain Issa area, north of Raqqa.

Meanwhile, clashes renewed in the villages of Jahbal and Al-Mushirfeh between the SDF and Turkish-backed factions, coinciding with exchange of rocket fire between the two sides on frontlines.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has monitored this morning Russian forces bringing in a convoy of 22 trucks loaded with closed containers, carrying military and logistical equipment. The convoy headed to the Russian base in Ain Issa area, north of Raqqa.

Yesterday, Syrian Observatory activists monitored renewed clashes accompanied by intensive exchange of fire with artillery, medium and heavy machineguns between Turkish forces and their proxy factions on one hand, and Syria Democratic Forces on the other, on frontlines of Jahbal Al-Amushayrifah villages in the countryside of Ain Issa district near M4 highway. This development, which comes after tense calm and cessation of clashes for hours, coincides with sporadic bombardment on Houshan village in the west of Tal Abyad in northern Al-Raqqah. No casualties have been reported.

Two days ago, Observatory activists documented the death of seven Turkish-backed militiamen and the wounding of four others, as a result of violent clashes with the SDF in the previous night on Al-Mushrefa frontline in the north-east of Ain Issa in northern Al-Raqqah. Accordingly, the death toll of the factions since Friday, December 18 to date rose to 24, all killed in failed attacks and attempts to advance and cut off Al-Hasakah-Aleppo international highway, at Turkey’s orders and support. Also, SDF lost five fighters in the same clashes.