The Euphrates Wrath offensive is firmly underway as the predominately Kurdish ‘Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) captured a number of villages from the Islamic State on Friday.
After reopening the northern Deir Ezzor front on Friday, the US-backed SDF were able to seize the villages of Fanajin al-Gharbi, Fanajin al-Sharqi, Thius, and Ebu Xesebs. In addition, Kurdish forces also seized the Jamra Jirdiyah mountain and established fire control over a handful of nearby ISIS-held villages.
Effectively, the SDF have now encircled Abu Khashab, a strategic village on the road between Makman and the provincial capital of Deir Ezzor.
Due to a lack of manpower, ISIS is relying heavily on artillery to slow down the advancing Kurdish units.
#SDF unit preparing their gear before new engagements with #ISIS in eastern #Raqqa. #TwitterKurds #YPG pic.twitter.com/e5HVsJYEJC
— Chris Tomson (@TheDaneChris) February 23, 2017
Phase III of the Euphrates Wrath offensive has led SDF to capture almost 50 villages in little more than a week. The Kurdish ‘People’s Protection Unit’ (YPG) is the primary component of the SDF.
Kurdish forward units are approximately 58 kilometers from the provincial capital of Deir Ezzor.
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