Newsbrief: Syrian Democratic Forces try to clear ISIS territory

by Samantha DeSouza
edited by Tyler Comeau

A ground operation to eliminate the last ISIS controlled territory led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has begun in Syria, according to CNN.

(Photo: CNN)

In the past month, around 15,000 people have fled Baghouz. Prior to this, the SDF thought there were only 1,500 civilians and 500 fighters left on the land.

An SDF soldier said, “The wives of ISIS martyrs are there with their children and they don’t want to leave.” While they do not want to leave, there are still waves of civilians trying to escape the fighting.

The remaining ISIS fighters are “the most battle-hardened and experienced personnel remaining in ISIS,” said Kareem Khadder and Ben Wedeman. It was reported that during battle, the militants use their wives and children as human shields.

On March 1st President Donald Trump said, “US-backed forces have retaken 100% of the territory once claimed by ISIS in Syria.” This announcement had come as a shock to the fighters in Syria because they continue to fight daily against ISIS fighters, according to CNN.