Illustrative image, by: sdf-press.com
ISIS cells launched two attacks on several checkpoints and positions of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the town of Diban in the southeastern Deir Ezzor countryside on February 16, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).
“Members of the group [ISIS] attacked a checkpoint of the SDF in the area [Diban]… They returned later and launched an attack on the town, which lead to violent clashes,” the SOHR’s report reads.
According to the UK-based monitoring group, the SDF repelled the attacks with support from the US-led coalition, whose warplanes and attack helicopters struck several hideouts and gatherings of the attackers.
Two fighters of the SDF were killed and one other was injured during the attack. One of the attackers was also killed. However, the rest were able to withdrew.
These attacks were likely a desperate attempt to distract the SDF, that’s besieging hundreds of ISIS fighters and commander within a 600m2 pocket, 40km south of Diban. According to an SDF commander, the pocket will be captured very soon.
