Deir ez-Zor campaign (September 2017–present)

Deir ez-Zor campaign (September 2017–present)
Part of the Syrian Civil War, the Syrian Kurdish–Islamist conflict (2013–present), and the American-led intervention in Syria

The situation in Deir ez-Zor, as of 10 September 2018

     Syrian Democratic Forces control

     Syrian Government control     Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant control
DateFirst phase: 8 September 2017 – 5 March 2018
(5 months, 3 weeks and 4 days)

Second phase: 1 May – 4 August 2018
(3 months and 3 days)

Third phase: 10 September 2018 – present
(1 month and 1 week)[1]
LocationEastern Syria
Status

Ongoing

Belligerents

Syrian Democratic Forces
Federal security forces
 Iraq (from 2018)[7]
CJTF–OIR

 Russia[10][11]

 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

  • Wilayat al-Khayr
  • Wilayat al-Barakah
  • Wilayat al-Furat
Commanders and leaders
Ahmad Abu Khawla[12]
(Deir ez-Zor Military Council commander)
Yasser al-Dahla[13][14]
(Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Gathering of Baggara Youth commander)
Rojda Kobanê[15]
(YPJ commander)
Ammar al-Salloum †[16]
(senior commander)
Agid Ahmed[17]
(Manbij Military Council commander)
Abjer Abjer[18]
(MFS commander)
Robert Ichou[19]
(Nattoreh commander)		 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (Leader of ISIL)[20]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Mohammed Obeid al-Muhsin "Abu Kharja" [21]
(regional senior commander)
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Saddam Omar Hussein al-Jamal (POW) (Senior commander)[22]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Essam Abdel Qader al-Zobei (POW) (Senior commander)[22]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Omar Shebab al-Karbouly (POW) (Senior commander)[22]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Mohammed Hussein al-Qadeer (POW) (Senior commander)[22]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Saleh Khalaf al-Ali (POW)[23]
(regional commander)
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Hisen Ayid el-Bilebil Ebu el-Walid †[24]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Shaykh Abu Anas al-Furati †[25]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Abd al-Rahman Filipini †[26]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Abd al Rahman al-Tamimi †[26]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Aysh al-Dagestani (brigade commander) †[26]
Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Abu Khattab al-Iraqi †[27]
(Leader of ISIL's oil and gas network)
Units involved

Syrian Democratic Forces[28]

Federal security forces

Iraq Iraqi security forces

United States United States Armed Forces

 Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Military of ISIL
Strength
Unknown 4,000–5,000[36]
Casualties and losses
162 killed, 416 wounded (by 31 Dec. 2017; per the SDF)[37]
47 killed (Jan.–March 2018; per the SDF)[38]
200 killed, 35 captured (10 Sep.–14 Oct. 2018; per the SOHR)[39][40]		 1,345 killed, 4,000 wounded, 64 captured (by 31 Dec. 2017; per the SDF)[37]
298 killed (Jan. 2018; per the SDF)[41]
348 killed, 700 captured (10 Sep.–14 Oct. 2018; per the SOHR & the U.S.)[39][42]

The Deir ez-Zor campaign, named by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as the al-Jazeera Storm campaign,[28] is a military operation launched by the SDF against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the Deir ez-Zor Governorate with the goal of capturing swathes of territory east of the Euphrates in the eastern countryside of the Deir ez-Zor Governorate.[28] The campaign stalled and was paused in early 2018, due to the Turkish military operation in Afrin, but resumed on 1 May 2018, with the new phase named by the U.S.-led Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) coalition as Operation Roundup.[43][7][7] The third phase started on 10 September 2018.

The first phase of the campaign was concurrent with another SDF operation, the Raqqa campaign conducted against ISIL's capital city and stronghold in Syria, as well as with the Central Syria campaign and the Eastern Syria campaign, in which the Syrian Army was also capturing territory from the Islamic State.

Background

On 25 August 2017, around 800 fighters from the Syrian Elite Forces defected to the SDF's Deir ez-Zor Military Council. On the same day, Ahmad Abu Khawla, commander of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council, announced that it would launch an offensive north of Deir ez-Zor within several weeks.[12] Just before the start of the offensive, the SDF received a large amount of new weaponry and ammunition from CJTF–OIR.[44]

The campaign

The initial phase

The SDF officially announced the campaign on 9 September.

On 8 September, the SDF launched the operation by attacking of ISIL-held villages in the northern Deir ez-Zor countryside;[45][46] on the next day, the campaign was officially announced in the al-Shaddadah Subdistrict, with the stated aim of expelling ISIL from all areas north and east of the Euphrates.[28][47] In course of the next two days, the SDF rapidly advanced and captured numerous villages.[45][46][48][46] According to pro-Syrian opposition media, this quick initial progress was due to ISIL forces retreating from areas that were difficult to defend in the face of heavy CJTF–OIR airstrikes.[49]

On 10 September, the SDF fought its way into the fortified Industrial City, directly north of Deir ez-Zor city, while capturing more nearby villages.[50][51] On 12 and 13 September, the SDF captured several locations at Deir ez-Zor's northern entrance (including the former Brigade 113 and al-Niran Battalion bases, the Sadkob station and part of the sheep market)[52] as well as the silos and cotton storages in the Industrial City. The coalition also made further progress in the desert north of Deir ez-Zor, where it advanced 60 km.[53][54][55] Despite these successes for the SDF, ISIL had significantly increased their resistance and began to launch repeated counter-attacks supported by VBIEDs in an attempt to stall the offensive and/or recapture territory.[34]

Meanwhile, the SDF leadership stated that their forces would not attack the troops of the Syrian government which were battling ISIL on the west side of the Euphrates.[56] On 15 September, Ahmad Abu Khawla, commander of the SDF's Deir ez-Zor Military Council, however stated that it will not allow government forces to cross the Euphrates.[57] The next day, alleged Syrian or Russian aircraft bombed SDF positions on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, injuring 6 SDF fighters.[58] In response, CJTF–OIR stated that while they were putting their "full efforts into preventing unnecessary escalation among forces that share ISIS as our common enemy", "Coalition forces and partners always retain the right of self-defense".[59] In this context, Institute for the Study of War expert Chris Kozak said that neither Russia nor the United States had an interest in escalating a conflict between them. "The real threat [is instead] that the partner forces on the ground—the SAA and the SDF—come close [to confrontation] before the US and Russia can slow them down." The government and the SDF are rivals in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, as both sides want to capture the region's natural resources (most importantly its oil fields).[60] On 17 September, SDF captured a textile factory and a roundabout 7 km from Deir ez-Zor city.[61]

Opening of a second front

ISIL prisoners of war in the custody of the SDF after surrendering during the campaign in October 2017.

On 20 September, the SDF opened a second front against ISIL east of Deir ez-Zor, near the border with Iraq,[62] and seized six villages alongside the M7 highway in quick order, thus advancing towards the oil-rich eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor.[63][64] As a response to the SDF advances, ISIL began to launch raids into SDF-held areas in southern al-Hasakah Governorate, reportedly ambushing and killing several SDF fighters on 21[65] and 24 September.[66][67] On 21 September, Russia warned it would attack SDF fighters if provoked.[68]

ISIL counter-attacks did little to impede the SDF offensive, however, and the SDF proceeded to capture the Al-Izba and Conoco gas fields,[69][70] the Derro oil fields, and the Al-Bazikh mountain chain.[71]

On 25 September, however, Russian aircraft, as well as Syrian and Russian artillery bombarded the SDF troops at the Conoco gas field, causing several casualties. The SDF responded to this by stating that "Russian and regime forces have mounted a treacherous attack against our forces... with artillery and aircraft" and that they would "use our legitimate right to self-defense".[72][73][74]

Further Russian bombing was reported on 27 September, with SOHR claiming 6 civilian casualties in Marat, to the east of the Euphrates River opposite Deir Ezzor Military Airbase.[75] Iranian missile strikes on ISIL in the southern and eastern parts of the province were also reported on 24 September.[76]

Despite the airstrike incident, the SDF continued the offensive and pushed ISIL out of numerous villages over the following days. At al-Suwar, however, the SDF troops met fierce resistance on 24 September and a heavy battle ensued;[77][78][79][80] after six days of fighting the town finally fell. The SDF then attempted to further advance in al-Suwar's surroundings, while ISIL launched counter-attacks to retake it.[81]

On 28 September 2017, Yasser al-Dahla was arrested by SDF military police, which accused Dahla of not effectively participating in the offensive and the "lack of military discipline". The Gathering of al-Baggara Youth denied these charges, and accused the Deir ez-Zor Military Council of denying Euphrates Shield fighters who defected to the SDF to join the Gathering. Dahla reportedly threatened to cease his group's participation in the Deir ez-Zor offensive.[13]

On 30 September, the SDF took control of the Jafra oil fields,[82] one of the "most important sources of income for IS".[83] Between 1 and 9 October, the SDF captured several more villages and repelled further ISIL counter-attacks,[84][85][86][87][88][89] with ISIL resistance in these areas being mostly light. This was due to ISIL relocating many of its troops from its frontlines with the SDF to face the Syrian Army.[90]

Between 9 and 10 October, the SDF captured four villages while advancing on the eastern bank of Euphrates river.[91] Around a dozen SDF fighters were executed after ISIL recaptured al-Jazrah oilfield on 12 October.[92] Many SDF fighters were killed and executed on 15 October after ISIL attacked their positions on the provincial border between Hasakah and Deir Ezzor, infiltrating several checkpoints and outposts along the main road between Al-Salhiyah and Sor.[93] Syrian military reports claimed on 19 October that SDF had allowed Russian troops to enter and take control of Koneko gas field, despite both SDF and Syrian Arab Army trying to take control of al-Omar gas field from ISIL.[94]

Laila al-Abdullah, the spokesperson of the SDF, announced that they had captured the al-Omar oil field after a military operation in early hours of 22 October, and were clashing with ISIL fighters in an adjacent housing complex. SOHR stated that it had entered the oilfield after pro-Syrian government forces withdrew following an ISIL attack on them.[95] SDF later in the month started advancing towards Albukamal and reportedly captured sites to south of the oilfields.[96] ISIL counter-attacked on 29 October to recapture the oilfield and was able to capture large territory along its perimeter while killing 6 SDF fighters.[97] By November, SDF had reached the western outskirts of Markadah.[98]

On 3 November, the SDF captured six villages while advancing on three different fronts. One village on eastern bank of Euphrates was captured near the Al-Busayrah axis, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) southeast of Deir Ezzor city. Two villages around 70 kilometres (43 mi) northeast from the city and located near the border with Iraq were also captured. In addition, three villages 50 kilometres (31 mi) east of Deir ez-Zor city and located on bank of Khabur river were captured by the SDF.[99] On 6 November, SDF cleared an ISIL pocket at Khabur River, after two SDF pincers met on both sides of the river and captured six villages, about 35 kilometres (22 mi) east of Deir Ezzor city.[100]

Slowing down of the campaign

An ISIL POW with a self-inflicted wound. As the organization's military continued to retreat in eastern Syria, an increasing number of its fighters shot themselves in order to lag behind and be captured by the SDF.

On 7 November, the SDF captured a village while advancing on the southwest along Khabur.[101] The SDF captured the key town of Markadah on 8 November.[102] On 12 November, the SDF captured Al-Busayrah and all neighboring villages, thereby completely eliminating an ISIL pocket to east of Euphrates.[103] The SDF captured the Tanak oil fields on the next day.[104] On 14 November, the SDF pushed southwards along the river, capturing a village and killing 11 ISIL militants.[105] By the next day, they had advanced within 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) to the border with Iraq, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).[106] After ISIL lost Al-Qa'im and Abu Kamal, to the Iraqi and Syrian Army, respectively, ISIL moved its de-facto capital to the Syrian city of Hajin, in the Middle Euphrates Valley.[20]

The SDF's Deir Ezzor Military Council reached the Iraqi border on 25 November, through the northern countryside of Albu Kamal, effectively cutting off the Syrian Arab Army from the border crossings to the north of the town.[107] The United States Department of Defense (U.S. DoD) announced in February 2018 that Shaykh Abu Anas al-Furati, a senior ISIL commander, was killed in an airstrike on Hajin on 27 November.[26] The YPG declared on 3 December that it had completely captured the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.[108] SDF captured three villages 70 kilometres (43 mi) south of Deir Ezzor city on 9 December. During the clashes, it was struck by a car bomb in a village, with Amaq News Agency claiming deaths of 15 SDF fighters. The alliance was meanwhile aided by Russian airstrikes.[109][110]

The SDF's Deir Ezzor Military Council reported on 12 December that their forces had captured several towns along the eastern bank of the Epuhrates, including Hasiyat, Jayshiyah, Jadleh, Al-Bahrah, and Gharanij after a brief battle.[111] Taking advantage of ISIL's concentration on attacking the Syrian Army on the western bank, during the week, the SDF took over several towns controlled by the group. SDF's official media wing reported capture of Jurdi Al-Sharqi on 13 December after a brief battle.[112] SOHR meanwhile stated that 23 civilians had been killed by airstrikes carried out by the US-led coalition in an ISIL-controlled village on the eastern banks.[113] The U.S. DoD announced in February that ISIL military commander Abd al Rahman Filipini, was killed near Hajin due to airstrikes on the same day.[26]

On 16 December, the SDF, led by the Deir Ezzor Military Council, captured several sites, including towns of Abu Hardub and Hasiyat. This allowed them to secure complete control over the Murad Oil Field, located northeast of Abu Hardub, thus leaving the remaining populated areas to secure from ISIS east of the Euphrates, stretching from the town of Hajin, down towards the border with Iraq, within' the administrative division of Abu Kamal District.[114] ISIL counterattacked SDF positions along Euphrates on 22 December, attempting to push back towards Al-'Umar oil fields. Pro-SDF media claimed to having foiled the attack and having killed 21 ISIL fighters.[115] ISIL-affiliated media claimed on 29 December that they had struck SDF in a car-bomb attack amidst a counterattack near Al-Bahrah village. It claimed to have so far killed 3 SDF fighters and wounded 7 in the battle.[115]

Later on 29 December, according to both pro-Syrian opposition and pro-Kurdish sources, on 29 December, the SDF captured four towns and villages to the north of ISIL stronghold of Haijan. The advance bypassed the Shaitat tribal region, encircling ISIL in the area. SDF claimed it had killed 67 ISIL fighters while capturing the villages.[116][117] The four settlements reported captured were Al-Bahrah, Al-Kahawi, Al-Jabal and Kushkiyah.[118][119] SOHR on the next day reported heavy fighting between both groups on the eastern banks with ISIL managing to capturing Abu Hamam.[120] Later on the same day, SDF captured the town of Khara’ij and the village of Al-Marsama Gharbi. It also entered Abu Hamam.[121]

ISIL claimed on 31 December that 20 SDF fighters and 50 others had been wounded in a car bombing carried out by a German jihadist on them, at al-Bahra.[122] On 1 January 2018, it was announced that the YPG/YPJ's Anti-Terror Units had killed ISIL commander Hisen Ayid el-Bilebil Ebu el-Walid, the mastermind of July 2016 Qamishli bombings, in al-Busayrah.[24] SOHR stated on the same day that 12 civilians were killed in air strikes on ISIL-held Susa village.[123] Meanwhile, Kurdish sources claimed that the SDF had captured the town of al-Sabha.[124]

Gharanij and ISIL attacks

Pro-Kurdish and pro-coalition sources reported on 2 January that the SDF had captured towns of Abu Hardub and Al-Nabayi, killing at least 17 ISIL fighters.[125] The U.S. DoD announced in February that ISIL military commander Abd al Rahman al Tamimi was killed in airstrikes near Hajin on the same day.[26] On the next day, the SDF announced capture of towns of Muhamidah, ‘Ard Al-Zir and Al-Majeed.[126] They were also engaged in heavy clashes for control of Abu Hamam and Hajin.[127] On 4 January, it was reported that they had captured the ISIL stronghold of Gharanij.[128] Meanwhile, SDF announced capture of villages of Elias and Jadlah to north of Hajin, killing 11 ISIL members while Amaq claimed killing of two SDF fighters in al-Kishkiyah village of Jadlah. ISIL also shelled SDF in al-Kishkiyah and al-Bahrah.[129] U.S. DoD announced in February that Haytham al Jazairi and Hassan al Jazzari, part of ISIL's immigration logistics group, were killed in airstrikes on 6 January near Khara’ij and Abu Hammam respectively.[26]

An ISIL counterattack on 7 January on Al-Bahra failed.[130] SDF media center claimed 27 ISIL fighters were killed while Amaq claiming 4 SDF fighters were killed. An Arab SDF unit meanwhile stated that SDF had launched an attack on Gharanij while opening a corridor to allow ISIL fighters to withdraw to Hajin.[131] ISIL official media stated it had recaptured Gharanij on 9 January in addition to killing 20 SDF fighters.[132] SOHR reported on 10 January that SDF had released more than 400 Syrian ISIL members in Deir Ezzor. It added that out of the 400, 120 former ISIL fighters had joined the SDF.[133] The US-led anti-ISIL coalition however later on 15 January denied the allegations that SDF had recruited former ISIL fighters.[134]

ISIL-affiliated media claimed that an Uzbek suicide bomber killed or injured 20 SDF fighters during the night on 10 January.[135] ISIL attacked a village south of al-Shaddadi city on the next day, with Amaq claiming 5 SDF fighters were killed. Local sources meanwhile stated that ISIL had withdrawn from most of its positions in Gharanij.[136] U.S. DoD announced in February that ISIL brigade commander Aysh al Dagestani was killed in an airstrike near Kashmah on 12 January.[26] ISIL captured Gharanij for the third time in three weeks from SDF following a counter-attack on 13 January. Meanwhile, pro-Kurdish and coalition sources claimed 100 ISIL fighters had been killed during the overall battle for the town, while ISIL claimed 50-70 SDF fighters had been killed in the battle.[137]

Amaq stated that a VBIED in Gharanij on 14 January had killed and injured about 20 SDF fighters, while also stating that ISIL fighters killed 11 SDF fighters by targeting their positions through ATGM. Earlier, Kurdish sources claimed that the SDF had captured most of the town.[138] On 16 January, it claimed killing of 10 SDF fighters in a VBIED attack in Gharanij. The car bomb forced SDF to retreat from some parts of the town, though retaining control of half of it.[139] Pro-ISIL Wafa Media announced on 18 January that former German rapper Denis Cuspert had been killed by an airstrike during a battle in Gharanij. Cuspert was a fighter, recruiter and propagandist for ISIL.[140] It released purported images of his corpse, stating he died on 17 January.[141]

The SDF announced repelling an ISIL counterattack on their positions in al-Bahrah on 19 January, with its media center claiming 51 ISIL fighters were killed. Meanwhile, Amaq claimed 12 SDF fighters were killed in al-Baghuz Fawqani in southeastern Deir Ezzor and 11 in al-Shaafah, by ISIL fighters.[142] The SDF claimed controlling half of Gharanij on the next day and its media center stated that 151 ISIL fighters had been killed. Meanwhile, Amaq claimed killing over 30 SDF fighters in Al-Bahrah with a VBIED.[143] The coalition forces later stated that 145-150 militants were killed in airstrikes on an ISIL headquarters near al-Shafaah on the same day.[144] SDF claimed the capture of Gharanij on 24 January, killing 7 ISIL fighters.[145]

Middle Euphrates Valley

ISIL's Amaq News agency claimed ISIL had continued attacking positions of the SDF around al-Bahrah and east of al-Shaafah, on 26 January. ISIL's al-Naba'a newspaper claimed the killing of 185 SDF fighters and capturing of several positions in the past week, in southeastern Deir-Ezzor.[146] On the next day, Amaq claimed that ISIL had killed or injured 377 SDF fighters over the past week.[147] Meanwhile, ISIL also attacked SDF positions around Gharanij, and Amaq claimed the killing of 15 SDF fighters in a VBIED attack.[148] After capturing Gharanij, the SDF in February shifted their attention to secure complete control of Al-Bahrah, whose control had changed twice.[149]

The capture of Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, members of ISIL's cell called "The Beatles", was reported in February. The two had been caught a month earlier near Deir ez-Zor, in the Euphrates Valley.[150] On 10 February, the SDF launched a new attack on al-Bahrah. Kurdish sources claimed they had captured some positions in the village, but there was no confirmation from the SDF itself.[151] ISIL attacked SDF positions in al-Bahrah twice with VBIEDs on 10 February, resulting in dozens of dead and wounded in their ranks.[152] Amaq claimed on 11 February that the SDF had been accidentally bombed by the coalition during clashes with ISIL in al-Sosa area near Iraqi border.[153]

According to sources of Iraqi Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU) on 12 February, their forces had rescued 11 SDF fighters encircled by ISIL near the Iraqi-Syrian border.[154] The SDF announced on 18 February that Sjoerd Heeger, a Dutch member of theirs, was killed fighting ISIL on 12 February.[155] SOHR confirmed on 14 February that SDF had captured most of Al-Bahra.[156] Syria's state-run news agency SANA claimed US airstrikes in al-Bahrah killed 16 people in al-Bahrah on 19 February and 12 in Hajin on 21 February.[157] SDF announced it had captured al-Bahrah on 22 February, with its media center claiming killing of 1,176 ISIL fighters in the operation.[158]

SOHR stated that US airstrikes on al-Shaafah on 26 February killed 25 civilians.[159] Amaq claimed that 13 SDF fighters were killed in an ISIL attack on their position northeast of the village of al-Shaafah on 28 February.[160] The Pentagon acknowledged on 5 March that the Turkish military operation in Afrin had led to an "operational pause" in the offensive. A spokesman Major Adrian Rankine-Galloway stated that they had seen SDF fighters leave the offensive in Middle Euphrates Valley to fight elsewhere.[3] On 6 March, the SDF announced that it had shifted 1,700 members from frontlines in the Middle Euphrates Valley to Afrin.[161]

The campaign resumes

On 1 May 2018, the SDF, backed by the US-led coalition, and in coordination with the Iraqi Armed Forces, announced the restart of the offensive to clear the Iraqi-Syria border and middle Euphrates river valley of ISIL remnants, in what the coalition called Operation Roundup.[43][7] On 3 May, Syriac Military Council and SDF spokesperson Kino Gabriel stated that SDF forces had advanced 8 kilometers (4.97 mi.) into ISIL territory on the al-Bughuz axis near the Euphrates along the Iraqi border.[162] On 8 May, an official YPG Twitter account posted images of SDF forces using mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs) partaking in an assault on ISIL front lines. The vehicle was previously unauthorized to be provisioned to SDF forces; Pentagon spokesman Marine Maj. Adrian Rankine-Galloway confirmed to Military Times that the US is providing MRAPs to the Syrian Arab Coalition, which he called "an essential component of the SDF."[163]

On 10 May, Coalition forces announced the capturing of five senior ISIL commanders in a joint cross-border raid with SDF and Iraqi forces, in what Coalition officials called a "significant blow" to ISIL. The news prompted US President Donald Trump to announce on Twitter: "Five Most Wanted leaders of ISIS just captured!"[164]

Capturing the Iraqi–Syrian border

Map of ISIL's Hajin Pocket in the Middle Euphrates River Valley

By 13 May, the SDF had reportedly besieged and imposed full control over al-Baghuz Tahtani village - the first settlement seized from ISIL since the resumption of the desert offensive - on the east bank of the Euphrates, officially cutting access to the Iraqi border off for ISIL along the river.[165][166] By 14 May, the SDF were conducting mine and tunnel clearing operations in al-Baghuz Tahtani as they had claimed to have taken a total of 64 kilometers of territory from ISIL.[167] SOHR also reported that 18 ISIL fighters were killed in coalition airstrikes in the town of al-Bahrah, further north along the river.[168] Also on the same day, USCENTCOM commander Joseph Votel, coalition commander Paul E. Funk II and other US personnel held a meeting with SDF leaders to "gain a better understanding of the fight against Daesh in the Middle Euphrates River Valley."[169]

On 17 May, after several weeks of clashes, the SDF captured a number of border posts near Abu Kamal, completely besieging ISIL's Middle Euphrates Valley pocket between SDF forces and Syrian Army forces.[170] By 20 July, after a couple months of clashes, the SDF had fully cleared ISIL from the southeastern al-Hasakah countryside, significantly reducing ISIL's border region pocket to the eastern Deir ez-Zor Province.[171] On 4 August, the SDF fully captured the remainder of ISIL's Iraqi–Syrian border pocket in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside, reducing ISIL's territorial control to a single pocket in the Middle Euphrates Valley, in the area between Hajin and Abu Kamal.[6] The SDF subsequently began preparations for the third and final phase of the operation, while ISIL launched counter-attacks in the al-Malh oil well area.[172] Experts consider it likely that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is hiding in this last pocket.[173]

Third phase

On 10 September, the SDF began to advance from 4 different fronts towards the areas controlled by the ISIS - Hajin, al-Susa, al-Shafa and the neighbouring villages. The following day, On 11 September the third and final phase of the operation officially commenced, under the code name of "Terrorism Defeat Battle".[174] According to the SDF, the first defense lines of ISIL were broken on September 13.[175]

On 20th of September, SDF fully captured Al-Baghuz Fawqani and secured the destroyed bridge to al-Bukamal.[176] On the same day, ISIL launched a counter attack targeting SDF in Baghouz Fawqani, in the counter attack ISIL claimed to kill 20 elements from the Syrian Democratic Forces.[177]

On 25 September, the SDF captured the village of Ash Shājilah, north of Al-Baghuz Fawqani.[178]

On 26 September, ISIL conducted multiple SVBIED attacks SDF positions in Baghouz Fawqani reportedly killing and injuring scores of SDF affiliated Kurdish fighters with a heavy firefight occurring soon after between ISIL and American backed Kurdish forces in the town.[179]

Despite the heavy resistance, SDF continued to advance north of Baghouz Fawqani and captured parts of al-Marashidah village just southwest of al-Susah.[180]

On 12 October, ISIL launched a massive counterattack which resulted in the killing and capturing of at least 45 SDF fighters as well as the capture of multiple positions.[181]

SDF-SAA clashes

Overnight on 7 February 2018, US forces attacked positions of pro-Syrian government forces with airstrikes, following an SAA incursion near SDF frontlines, claiming it was out of self-defense of an SDF headquarters with US observers in Khusham. US officials estimated more than 100 members of pro-government forces were killed.[182] Russian Ministry of Defense however claimed that the pro-government forces were conducting reconnaissance missions against ISIL. An injured pro-government fighter also claimed that SDF forces had infiltrated during the airstrikes in Tabiyyah region but were repelled.[183] There were also reports by pro-opposition sources that clashes had erupted between SDF and SAA and allied pro-government forces.[184] Al-Masdar News downplayed these claims and suggested they might have been a scare campaign led by opposition media.[185]

On 29 April 2018, pro-government forces launched an assault against four SDF villages on the Euphrates, initially capturing them. However, the SDF later retook the villages, with local sources claiming U.S.-led coalition aircraft bombed pro-government positions in response.

See also

References

  1. ↑ SDF announced 'Terrorism Defeat Battle' as part of al-Jazeera Tempest campaign
  2. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest progress outcome in a month - ANHA". en.hawarnews.com. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Turkish offensive in Syria leads to pause in some operations against IS: Pentagon". Reuters. 6 March 2018.
  4. ↑ Press, Associated (6 March 2018). "Battle against Isil 'paused in Syria' as Kurdish fighters battle Turkey". Retrieved 10 July 2018 – via www.telegraph.co.uk.
  5. ↑ "Web & Mobile". 27 February 2012. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  6. 1 2 Leith Aboufadel (4 August 2018). "ISIS fully expelled from Syria-Iraq border". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "U.S.-backed Syrian forces resume battle against Islamic State". Reuters. 1 May 2018.
  8. ↑ "RAF air strikes in Iraq and Syria: September 2017". GOV.UK. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  9. ↑ https://www.defense.gouv.fr/operations/operations/points-de-situation/point-de-situation-des-operations-du-22-fevrier-2018
  10. ↑ "YPG announce defeat of ISIS east of Euphrates". Rudaw. 3 December 2017.
  11. ↑ "Von USA fallengelassen: Russland unterstützt kurdische YPG-Miliz in Ostsyrien". RT Deutsch. 5 December 2017.
  12. 1 2 3 "U.S.-backed forces to attack Syria's Deir al-Zor soon: SDF official". Reuters. 25 August 2017.
  13. 1 2 "Military police of SDF arrest leader of al-Bakkara Youth Gathering Yasser al-Dahla, the defected of Syrian Elite Forces". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 2 October 2017.
  14. ↑ "Yasser Al-Dahleh, with audio and video, refutes what the media has announced about his break-up and adherence to the regime". Xeber 24. 9 December 2017.
  15. ↑ "YPJ Commander: We will reach the Euphrates River soon". ANF News. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  16. ↑ Rami Zien (13 September 2017). "Blast Kills and Injures Dozen of SDF Troops Including a Senior Commander". Qasioun News. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  17. 1 2 Eric Schmitt; Rod Rordland (28 February 2018). "Amid Turkish Assault, Kurdish Forces Are Drawn Away From U.S. Fight With ISIS". The New York Times. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
  18. 1 2 "Syriac commander: Our forces effectively participate in al-Jazeera Tempest". Hawar News Agency. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  19. 1 2 Agiri Ibrahim (5 October 2017). "NATURO participate in al-Jazeera Tempest". Hawar News Agency. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  20. 1 2 Francesco Bussoletti (29 June 2018). "Syria, the Isis pockets of resistance at Deir Ezzor are reduced to two". Difesa & Sicurezza. Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  21. ↑ "(IS) Group senior leader fled to Al-Hasaka". El-Dorar Al-Shamia. 3 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  22. 1 2 3 4 Jeff Pegues (10 May 2018). "5 top ISIS leaders captured in latest blow to militant group". CBS News. Retrieved 7 July 2018.
  23. ↑ "Illiterate IS amir narrated his story of joining IS -1". Hawar News Agency. 8 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  24. 1 2 3 "Mastermind of 2016 ISIS attack on Qamishli killed in special op: YPG". Rudaw Media Network. 1 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  25. ↑ "Military operations continue against IS leaders". Kuwait News Agency. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "El Pentágono informa de la muerte de seis presuntos líderes del EI en Siria" (in Spanish). La Vanguardia. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
  27. ↑ Thomas Joscelyn (19 June 2018). "US-led coalition targets Islamic State's oil and gas network". Long War Journal. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "MDC declared "al-Jazeera Tempest" campaign". Hawar News Agency. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  29. ↑ "The Gathering of Al-Bakkara Youth continues their battle and get closer to the hometown of the Sheikh of Bakkara". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 10 September 2017.
  30. 1 2 3 ""We will withdraw our forces from east of Euphrates, send them to the fronts of Afrin"". Hawar News Agency. 6 March 2018. Archived from the original on 8 March 2018.
  31. ↑ "Self-Defense Duty fighters: we willingly join al-Jazeera Tempest". Hawar News Agency. 20 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  32. ↑ "A thousand civilians rescued in Deir ez-Zor operation". YPG. 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  33. ↑ Alexander Falconer (3 June 2018). "SDF Takes Control of Broad Area Near Iraqi Border With Help From PM". El-Dorar Al-Shamia. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  34. 1 2 3 "After carrying out the first massacre by the International Coalition since the start of "Jazeera Storm" Operation, Deir Ezzor Military Council continues its operation to control al-Shehabat area". SOHR. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  35. ↑ "SDF militias Finishing up preparations to attack Deir al-Zour". El-Dorar Al-Shamia. 7 September 2017. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  36. ↑ Andrew Illingworth. "8,000 to 11,000 ISIS militants still present across Syria – estimates". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  37. 1 2 "2017 Balance Sheet of War – Syrian Democratic Forces". 3 January 2018.
  38. ↑ 12 killed (20 Jan.), 7 killed (16 Feb.), 7 killed (18 Feb.), 3 killed (19 Feb.), 2 killed (20 Feb.), 3 killed (25 Feb.), 10 killed (4 March), 3 killed (6 March), total of 47 reported killed
  39. 1 2 4 days of fierce fighting on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River claims the lives of more than 150 fighters and members of SDF and the organization along with fears over the abductees’ lives
  40. ↑ At least 45 fighters of SDF were killed and captured and tens others ran away as a result of carrying out the most violent counterattack by the organization in a month of military operations in the east of the Euphrates
  41. ↑ 17 killed (2 Jan.), 21 killed (3 Jan.), 11 killed (4 Jan.), 27 killed (7 Jan.), 154 killed (9 Jan.), 17 killed (12 Jan.), 51 killed (18 Jan.), total of 298 reported killed
  42. ↑ ‘Last pocket of ISIS' fighters surrounded, DoD official says
  43. 1 2 "Military Strikes Continue Against Daesh Terrorists in Iraq and Syria". Centcom.mil.
  44. ↑ "On The wake of the"Island Storm" Battle's announcement, US weapons reach to YPG militia". El-Dorar Al-Shamia. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  45. 1 2 Chris Tomson (9 September 2017). "Kurdish forces seize four villages from ISIS, race towards Deir Ezzor city". al-Masdar News. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  46. 1 2 3 Rami Zien (10 September 2017). "SDF Advances Days after Launching Battle Towards Deir Ezzor". Qasioun News. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017.
  47. ↑ John Davison (9 September 2017). "U.S.-backed SDF launches operation in Deir al-Zor: statement". Zaman al-Wasl. Retrieved 12 September 2017.
  48. ↑ Chris Tomson (9 September 2017). "ISIS virtually expelled from Hasakah province as Kurdish troops overrun fifth village". al-Masdar News. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  49. ↑ "SDF militias advancing at the expense of (IS) organization in the countryside of Deir al-Zour". El-Dora Al-Shamia. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  50. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest enter the Industrial City in Deir ez-Zor". Hawar News Agency. 10 September 2017. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  51. ↑ Rami Zien (10 September 2017). "SDF Gains Expedited Advance and Reaches the Outskirt of Deir Ezzor City". Qasioun News. Archived from the original on 11 September 2017.
  52. ↑ Rami Zien (12 September 2017). "SDF Gains New Advance in Deir Ezzor with Potential Collision with Syrian Regime Forces". Qasioun News. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017.
  53. ↑ Talal Kharrat (13 September 2017). "3 Km. Splits Between Syrian Regime And SDF In Deir Ezzor". Qasioun News. Archived from the original on 14 September 2017.
  54. ↑ "Operation Cizire Storm on day 5". ANF News. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  55. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest liberated some sites". Hawar News Agency. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  56. ↑ "US-backed Forces Vow to Avoid Conflict With Assad Troops in Deir Ezzor". Zaman al-Wasl. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  57. ↑ Tom Perry, Sarah Dadouch (16 September 2017). "U.S.-backed Syrian fighters say will not let government forces cross Euphrates". Reuters.
  58. ↑ "Air strikes hit U.S.-backed militia in Syria's Deir al-Zor - SDF". Reuters. 16 September 2017.
  59. ↑ Thomas Joscelyn (16 September 2017). "Russia struck Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria, US says". Long War Journal. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  60. ↑ Justin Clark; Madeline Edwards (21 September 2017). "ISW analyst: Regime, SDF on path to 'confrontation' in oil-rich eastern desert". SYRIA:direct. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  61. ↑ "Kurdish forces expand control zone near east bank of Euphrates in Deir Ezzor". al-Masdar News. 2017-09-18. Retrieved 2017-09-18.
  62. ↑ ""Al Jazeera Tempest" begins Iraqi border liberation campaign". Hawar News Agency. 20 September 2017.
  63. ↑ "Kurdish forces race along Deir Ezzor highway, three ISIS-held villages seized in pincer offensive". al-Masdar News. 2017-09-21. Retrieved 2017-09-21.
  64. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest liberated 6 hamlets". Hawar News Agency. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  65. ↑ "ISIS launches surprise assault on Kurdish forces in Hasakah inflicting uncomfortable losses". al-Masdar News. 2017-09-21. Retrieved 2017-09-21.
  66. ↑ Chris Tomson (25 September 2017). "Graphic photos: ISIS kills, captures many Kurdish fighters after intercepting US convoy". al-Masdar News. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  67. ↑ "ISIS attacks U.S.-led forces south of Hasaka: activist". Zaman al-Wasl. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  68. ↑ Russia says will target U.S.-backed fighters in Syria if provoked, Reuters, 21 September 2017
  69. ↑ "US-backed SDF captures major Syria gas field". Arab News. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  70. ↑ "US-backed SDF captures one of Syria's largest gas fields: Commander". Middle East Eye. 23 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  71. ↑ Chris Tomson (23 September 2017). "Kurdish fighters capture key mountain overlooking the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor". al-Masdar News. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  72. ↑ "U.S.-backed militias says Russian jets struck its fighters in east Syria". Reuters. 25 September 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  73. ↑ Andrew Illingworth (25 September 2017). "BREAKING: Russian warplanes bomb Kurdish forces in east Deir Ezzor: reports". al-Masdar News. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  74. ↑ Andrew Illingworth (25 September 2017). "Syrian Army, Russian artillery shells Kurdish forces in east Deir Ezzor: reports [Update]". al-Masdar News. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  75. ↑ Air strikes cause casualties and injuries in the east of the Euphrates River, and shelling kills one person in the vicinity of Al-Lataminah, SOHR, 27 September 2017
  76. ↑ Iran strikes IS bases on Syria-Iraq border with drone, AP, 24 September 2017
  77. ↑ "Strong battles in Sor, 4 mercenaries captured". Hawar News Agency. 24 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  78. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest: fighters reach al-Sor town's entrance". Hawar News Agency. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  79. ↑ "SDF makes new gains against ISIS in Deir Ezzor". Zaman al-Wasl. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  80. ↑ "Strong clashes ongoing in Sor". Hawar News Agency. 28 September 2017. Retrieved 29 September 2017.
  81. ↑ "Ongoing clashes between the forces of "Al-Jazeera Storm" against ISIS in the northern and northwestern countryside of Deir Ezzor". SOHR. 1 October 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  82. ↑ "Jafra Fields are completely liberated". Hawar News Agency. 1 October 2017. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  83. ↑ Mohammad Abdulssattar Ibrahim; Madeline Edwards (1 October 2017). "US-backed forces battle IS for Deir e-Zor province's oil-rich east". SYRIA:direct. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  84. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest: 2 villages, 4 hamlets liberated". Hawar News Agency. 3 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  85. ↑ "The Euphrates Tempest : 4 new villages liberated". Hawar News Agency. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  86. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest: IS attack foiled, fighters progress". Hawar News Agency. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  87. ↑ "SDF Captures Wasiah Village North Of Deir Ezzor, Temporarily Stops Advance In Center Of Raqqa". 2017-10-07. Retrieved 2017-10-08.
  88. ↑ "Al-Jazeera Tempest: 17 hamlets, one village liberated". Hawar News Agency. 8 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  89. ↑ "The Deir Ezzor Military Council and the SDF advance in the western countryside of Deir Ezzor". DeirEzzor24. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 8 October 2017.
  90. ↑ "Forces of "Al-Jazeera Storm" operation meet with their forces near Deir Ezzor city and take the control of the village of Sheikh of Al-Bakkara Clan whose clan members fight side by side with the regime forces". SOHR. 9 October 2017. Retrieved 9 October 2017.
  91. ↑ "Kurdish forces seize four ISIS-held villages in dash along the Euphrates River". Al-Masdar News. 10 October 2017.
  92. ↑ "Horrific images: ISIS executes Kurdish fighters at oil field in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. 14 October 2017.
  93. ↑ "Extremely graphic images: ISIS beheads truckloads of US-backed troops in eastern Syria". Al-Masdar News. 16 October 2017.
  94. ↑ "Breaking: Russian troops take control of key gas field from Kurdish forces in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. 19 October 2017.
  95. ↑ "SDF says it captured al-Omar oilfield from ISIL". Al-Jazeera. 23 October 2017.
  96. ↑ "Race to Albukamal: US-backed forces begin their push to ISIS stronghold". Al-Masdar News. 28 October 2017.
  97. ↑ "In pictures: ISIS launches major counter-attack on largest oil field in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News. 30 October 2017.
  98. ↑ "Complete update of eastern Syria battle – map". Al-Masdar News. 1 November 2017.
  99. ↑ "Kurdish forces zero in on ISIS pockets east of Euphrates River: six villages captured". 3 November 2017.
  100. ↑ "Kurdish forces zero in on ISIS pockets east of Euphrates River: six villages captured". 6 November 2017.
  101. ↑ "Kurdish forces overrun another ISIS-held village in eastern Deir Ezzor". 7 November 2017.
  102. ↑ "US-backed forces capture strategic town in east Deir Ezzor". 8 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  103. ↑ "US-backed forces finish off last ISIS pocket on eastern bank of the Euphrates River". 12 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  104. ↑ "US-backed SDF seizes Syria's second largest oil field al-Tanak". Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  105. ↑ "Kurdish forces push southwards along the Euphrates River, seize village from ISIS". 14 November 2017. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  106. ↑ "U.S.-backed forces approach Iraqi border in eastern Syria - Xinhua - English.news.cn". news.xinhuanet.com. Retrieved 29 November 2017.
  107. ↑ "US-backed forces reach Iraqi border to cutoff Syrian Army advance north of Albukamal". Al-Masdar News. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  108. ↑ "Syrian Kurdish YPG says it seized eastern region from Daesh". Jordan Times. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 6 December 2017.
  109. ↑ "Russian airstrikes help Kurdish forces to capture ISIS turf east of the Euphrates River". Al-Masdar News. 9 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  110. ↑ "VIDEO: ISIS unleashes nasty car bomb attack on US-backed forces killing scores". Al-Masdar News. 9 December 2017. Retrieved 10 December 2017.
  111. ↑ "US-backed forces seize several towns along eastern bank of Euphrates". Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  112. ↑ "US-backed forces take advantage of ISIS offensive against Syrian Army to capture more territory". Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  113. ↑ "US-led airstrike kills 23 civilians in Syria's Deir ez-Zor". Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  114. ↑ "US-backed forces capture another oil field in Deir Ezzor". Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  115. 1 2 "ISIS launches counter-offensive against US-backed forces in Deir Ezzor". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  116. ↑ "Large ISIS bastion encircled in east Syria amid relentless advance by pro-Coalition forces towards Abu Kamal". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  117. ↑ "'More US diplomats on the ground' in Syria post-ISIS, says Mattis". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  118. ↑ "Kurdish forces blitz through ISIS to capture 4 towns in east Syria on the way to Abu Kamal". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  119. ↑ "SDF liberate four villages southeast of Deir Ez-Zor". Retrieved 30 December 2017.
  120. ↑ "Fierce clashes between SDF, IS terrorists in eastern Euphrates River". 30 December 2017.
  121. ↑ "Kurdish forces mop up the east Euphrates shore inflicting horrific losses on ISIS". 30 December 2017.
  122. ↑ "Huge ISIS bombing in east Syria by German jihadist leaves nearly 100 US-backed fighters killed, wounded". 1 January 2018.
  123. ↑ "Air strikes kill 12 civilians in Syria's Deir Ezzor". 1 January 2018.
  124. ↑ "Kurdish forces push on to capture new town in east Syria despite fierce ISIS counter-attacks". 1 January 2018.
  125. ↑ "Kurdish forces secure two towns from ISIS in east Syria amid renewed offensive to capture strategic region". 3 January 2018.
  126. ↑ "Last ISIS pocket along eastern Euphrates steadily collapsing". 3 January 2018.
  127. ↑ "Kurdish forces battle hard to control 2 key ISIS strongholds in east Syria amid rising losses on both sides". 4 January 2018.
  128. ↑ "Kurdish forces seize ISIS stronghold in eastern Syria after one week battle". 5 January 2018.
  129. ↑ "US-Backed Forces Advance In Southeastern Deir Ezzor, eliminate ISIS cell in Raqqa". 5 January 2018.
  130. ↑ "ISIS counter-offensive in east Syria fails miserably leading to high losses among jihadist ranks". 8 January 2018.
  131. ↑ "US-backed forces launch attack on Gharanij, repel ISIS attack on Al-Bahra (Photos)". 8 January 2018.
  132. ↑ "US-backed forces suffer heavy casualties as ISIS captures territory in east Deir Ezzor". 10 January 2018.
  133. ↑ "Over 120 Syrian members of ISIS joined US-backed forces in Deir Ezzor: SOHR". 10 January 2018.
  134. ↑ "US-led coalition denies report that ex-Daesh militants joined SDF". 15 January 2018.
  135. ↑ "US-led forces endure another day of high losses in east Syria as Uzbek ISIS suicide bomber hits his mark". 11 January 2018.
  136. ↑ "ISIS kills and captures several members of Syrian Democratic Forces in series of attacks". 12 January 2018.
  137. ↑ "ISIS kicks US-backed forces out of stronghold in east Syria for third time in as many weeks". 14 January 2018.
  138. ↑ "SDF suffers casualties from series of ISIS attacks southeast of Deir Ezzor". 17 January 2018.
  139. ↑ "ISIS throws everything they got to keep control of strategic town in Deir Ezzor". 17 January 2018.
  140. ↑ "German Rapper-Turned-IS Pitchman Reportedly Killed in Syria". 19 January 2018.
  141. ↑ (www.dw.com), Deutsche Welle. "German rapper-turned-jihadi Denis Cuspert reportedly killed in Syria - DW - 18.01.2018". DW.COM. Retrieved 10 July 2018.
  142. ↑ "Syrian Democratic Forces repel large ISIS attack on their positions in al-Bahrah village". 19 January 2018.
  143. ↑ "US-backed forces capture 50% of Gharanij town, kill dozens of ISIS fighters". 20 January 2018.
  144. ↑ "Syria war: US strikes on IS headquarters 'kills 150 militants'". 24 January 2018.
  145. ↑ "Syrian Democratic Forces captured key town in southeastern Deir Ezzor (Video)". 24 January 2018.
  146. ↑ "ISIS claims it killed 185 fighters of Syrian Democratic Forces over last week(Photos)". 26 January 2018.
  147. ↑ "ISIS claims it killed 377 SDF members over past week(Photos)". 28 January 2018.
  148. ↑ "ISIS attcaks US-backed forces in Gharanij town in Deir Ezzor province (Photos, Videos)". 28 January 2018.
  149. ↑ "Pictures: Another bloody meat-grinder battle takes place in east Syria as ISIS clings on to key stronghold". 3 February 2018.
  150. ↑ Chulov, Martin (9 February 2018). "The jihadist 'Beatles': Britons who became the face of Isis cruelty". The Guardian.
  151. ↑ "US-backed forces renew their attack on ISIS in southeastern Deir Ezzor (Photos)". South Front. 10 February 2018.
  152. ↑ Illingworth, Andrew (12 February 2018). "Pictures: Kurdish forces blown away in east Syria after double ISIS car bomb attack". Al-Masdar News.
  153. ↑ Illingworth, Andrew (11 February 2018). "Breaking: Kurdish forces bombed by US coalition airpower in east Syria amid big battle with ISIS – reports". Al-Masdar News.
  154. ↑ Illingworth, Andrew (12 February 2018). "Breaking: Almost a dozen Kurdish fighters encircled by ISIS in east Syria rescued just in time Iraqi paramilitary forces". Al-Masdar News.
  155. ↑ "YPG says three foreign fighters killed in Syria clashes". Middle East Eye. 18 February 2018.
  156. ↑ "US-backed forces captures large part of Al-Bahrah in southeastern Deir Ezzor". South Front. 14 February 2018.
  157. ↑ "Executive Summary for February 22nd". Syria Deeply. 22 February 2018.
  158. ↑ "Syrian Democratic Forces capture Al-Bahrah, claim over 1,000 ISIS members killed there (Photos)". South Front. 22 February 2018.
  159. ↑ "US coalition airstrikes targeting IS kill dozens of civilians in Syria". The New Arab. 26 February 2018.
  160. ↑ "ISIS attacks US-backed forces in southeastern Deir-Ezzor". South Front. 28 February 2018.
  161. ↑ "US Coalition Asks for Pause in Hostilities in Northwest Syria". Voice of America. 6 March 2018.
  162. ↑ "SDF advance 8km against ISIS in Deir ez-Zor". Rudaw. 3 May 2018.
  163. ↑ "US-backed Syrian fighters spotted in MRAPs prior to ISIS assault". 9 May 2018.
  164. ↑ "Five top Isis leaders claimed captured on Iraq-Syria border". Financial Times. 10 May 2018.
  165. ↑ "ISIS loses last link from Iraq border to Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News.
  166. ↑ "CizireStorm SDF reached al-Baghuz on the Euphrates river".
  167. ↑ "US-backed fighters advance against IS in east Syria". 14 May 2018.
  168. ↑ "...and at least 18 of ISIS were killed in the Coalition's bombardment and in clashes in al-Bahra area". 14 May 2018.
  169. ↑ "SDF moves on Daesh in Syria sliver".
  170. ↑ Leith Aboufadel (17 May 2018). "ISIS fully besieged between Syrian Army, SDF lines near Euphrates River". Al-Masdar News. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  171. ↑ Wladimir van Wilgenburg (20 July 2018). "US-backed forces continue advance in Syria's Deir al-Zour". Kurdistan 25. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  172. ↑ Al-Hal (24 August 2018). "SDF Surrounds Last Area Under ISIS Control". The Syrian Observer. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  173. ↑ ANA Press (24 August 2018). "Baghdadi Resurfaces in Recording and for Fighting to Continue". The Syrian Observer. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  174. ↑ "SDF announced 'Terrorism Defeat Battle' as part of al-Jazeera Tempest campaign". Hawar News Agency (ANHA). 11 September 2018.
  175. ↑ "SDF broke through the first defense lines of ISIS". 13 September 2018.
  176. ↑ "Breaking News: Our Forces Liberate Al-Bagouz Faqani Town". sdf-press. 20 September 2018.
  177. ↑ "Breaking: ISIS launches big counter-attack in southeast Deir Ezzor". almasdarnews. 21 September 2018.
  178. ↑ "SDF Takes Village From ISIS in Eastern Deir ez-Zor". The Syrian Observer. 27 September 2018.
  179. ↑ "ISIS fights back Kurdish forces in eastern Syria". almasdarnews. 26 September 2018.
  180. ↑ "ISIS suffers another big setback in east Deir Ezzor (video)". almasdarnews. 8 October 2018.
  181. ↑ "At least 45 fighters of SDF were killed and captured and tens others ran away as a result of carrying out the most violent counterattack by the organization in a month of military operations in the east of the Euphrates". The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 10 October 2018.
  182. ↑ Lister, Tim (8 February 2018). "Rare US airstrikes on pro-regime forces bring latest turn in Syrian War". CNN.
  183. ↑ Aboufadel, Leith (10 February 2018). "Syrian fighters defiant after US coalition airstrikes in Deir ez-Zor (video)". Al-Masdar News.
  184. ↑ Illingworth, Andrew (9 February 2018). "Breaking: US-led forces launch all-out offensive against Syrian Army in Deir Ezzor". Al-Masdar News.
  185. ↑ Illingworth, Andrew (9 February 2018). "Reports of offensive by US-led forces against Syrian Army in Deir Ezzor may be false – opposition media begins scare campaign". Al-Masdar News.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.