The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights

Syrian Kurds retake northern villages from ISIL

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports Syrian Kurds retake northern villages from ISIL

World Bulletin / News Desk 

Syrian Kurdish fighters have recaptured more than 10 villages seized by ISIL north of its de facto capital of Raqqa city, aided by U.S.-led coalition air strikes, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on Tuesday.

Intensified air strikes across northern Syria and clashes on the ground have killed at least 78 ISIL fighters since Sunday night, the Britain-based Observatory said.

The strikes are some of the most sustained since they began in September, according to U.S. officials who say they are aimed at curbing the militants’ ability to operate out of Raqqa and to prevent it from fighting back against Kurdish advances.

But, on Tuesday, the ISIL was still in control of Ain Issa, the Observatory said. The town, 50 km (30 miles) north of Raqqa city, was seized by ISIL fighters from the Kurdish YPG militia in an attack on Monday.

The YPG, a militia operating mostly in predominantly Kurdish areas of northern Syria towards the Turkish border, has emerged as the only significant partner in Syria for U.S.-led alliance fighting to tackle ISIL both there and in Iraq.

The YPG captured Ain Issa on June 23.

While the YPG has shown itself to be a potent force in the fight against ISIL, its effectiveness is seen to diminish beyond the predominantly Kurdish areas it was set up to defend in northern and northeastern Syria.

U.S. President Barack Obama said on Monday the United States would do more to train and equip “the moderate opposition”.

 

 

http://www.worldbulletin.net/middle-east/161834/syrian-kurds-retake-northern-villages-from-isil