Moments ago, the Kurdish-led ‘Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) established full control over Tall as-Saman after a 48-hour battle prompted ISIS fighters to withdraw to the neighbouring village of Qaryah Armaniyah.
The capture of Tall as-Saman is significant as it lies on one of two main roads leading directly southwards to the predominately Arab city of Raqqa.
The advance puts Kurdish forces some 28 kilometers north of the Islamic State capital.
12 days into the US-backed Kurdish offensive, codenamed operation ‘Euphrates Wrath’, over 30 villages have been liberated from the Islamic State. However, Kurdish forces have suffered heavy casualties due to ISIS guerilla tactics and suicide bombers.
Meanwhile, the SDF is also gaining ground on ISIS in Aleppo province where their forces captured 9 villages earlier on Wednesday.
