The Islamic State Pulls Troops Out of East Homs; Al-Nusra Front Captures Halfaya

The Islamic State has reportedly ended all operations in the Homs countryside, abandoning their positions near Jabal Al-Sha’ar in east Homs. A reason was not given for their subsequent end of operations in east Homs; however, Islamic State media confirmed that this order was given from the leader of the I.S., Sheikh Ibrahim Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.

According to Syrian Opposition activists, Jabhat Al-Nusra captured the village of Halfaya, after violent firefights with the NDF over the course of the week. Halfaya is a densely populated village in the Hama Governate. Meanwhile at Mhardeh, clashes took place in the eastern perimeter of the city. Fighting is ongoing between Jabhat Al-Nusra and the NDF in Mhardeh.