
A coalition of US-backed Kurdish militia and rebel groups has launched its first operation against territory controlled by the Islamic State jihadist group in northeast Syria, a spokesman said Saturday.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were formed in mid-October as an alliance between the powerful Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and other Syrian rebel groups.
"This is the first step of the Syrian Democratic Forces," said Sherfan Darwish, spokesman for the Burkan al-Furat Arab rebel group, which is part of the SDF.
Speaking to AFP by phone from Syria, Darwish said the SDF's operation began on Friday night and would target IS-held areas in the northeast province of Hasakeh, including the towns of Shadadi and al-Hol.
Darwish said the fresh operation would receive air support from a US-led coalition striking IS in Syria since September 2014.
In a video statement published online, the YPG confirmed the beginning of the operation "with all of the members of the SDF, and with support from and coordination with the international coalition, to liberate the southern parts of Hasakeh province."
Clashes on Saturday raged between the SDF and IS outside al-Hol, said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
He said coalition air strikes had hit the area on Friday night.
The SDF announcement came a day after the White House said it would send "fewer than 50" special forces personnel to Syria's north, reversing a long-standing refusal to put US boots on the ground.
Source: AFP
GMT 12:28 2018 Friday ,31 August
Algeria, reaffirm support to Sahrawi and Palestinian peoplesGMT 11:54 2018 Friday ,31 August
Second mine explodes in Mghilla 'Four soldiers wounded'GMT 11:30 2018 Friday ,31 August
UNSMIL condemns escalation of Violence in Great Tripoli areaGMT 11:15 2018 Friday ,31 August
Morocco, U.S Committed to Fighting Terrorism 'US Official'GMT 16:27 2018 Thursday ,30 August
PPS Considers Withdrawing from Ruling Coalition amid Tension with PJDGMT 15:34 2018 Thursday ,30 August
3 Bunkers, 4 homemade bombs discovered, destroyed in SkikdaGMT 15:10 2018 Thursday ,30 August
AU's Decision to Support UN-led Process, 'Big Win" for MoroccoGMT 12:47 2018 Thursday ,30 August
Cuba backed Polisario by providing military aid to Algeria
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor