Massive air strikes have been aimed at Islamic State positions in the Syrian province of Ar-Raqqa. The Syrian Air Force conducted at least two dozen attacks this morning, targeting the Islamic State south of Lake Assad and in the provincial capital. Most of the airstrikes were carried out by the MIG-21 jets believed to derive from Tabqa Airbase.
The Syrian Arab Army has maintained its positions at Tabqa Airbase, repelling another series of Islamic State attacks just east of the base. Machine gun turrets installed in the eastern perimeter have forestalled the I.S. advance due to their vulnerability in the open.
Tabqa Airbase has proven to be much more difficult for the Islamic State, despite outnumbering the enemy at least 2-to-1. Currently, firefights are taking place at Safsaf Farms, where the I.S. is attempting to breakthrough the Syrian Arab Army frontline defense.
