Ain Issa countryside | Two SDF members killed in shelling and clashes with Turkish-backed factions, as shelling continues on frontlines
SOHR sources say that two members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed this morning, due to shelling and clashes in the village of Jahbal in Ain Issa countryside, north of Raqqa.
Meanwhile, exchange of sporadic shelling between the SDF and Turkish-backed factions continues on the rural frontlines of Ain Issa near the M4 road.
SOHR sources have reported earlier that the residents of the village of Jahbal in Ain Issa countryside, were trapped in the village after the withdrawal of SDF from it hours ago, where the residents remained inside the village trapped between the Turkish-backed factions and SDF.
Reliable sources have told SOHR that clashes have been suspended on Jahbal and Mushayrifah frontlines in eastern Ain Issa, as the Turkish-backed factions had launched a violent attack in the early hours of Friday morning, backed by intensive Turkish artillery fire. However, the factions have not managed to capture any new positions.
Syrian Observatory activists have documented the death of nine fighters of Turkish-backed factions, some of whom killed in a landmine explosion while the others killed in clashes with SDF in the area. Meanwhile, the military operations between both sides are confined now to exchange of shelling.
SOHR sources have also confirmed that reports of Russian forces’ withdrawal from Ain Issa are untrue.
A few hours ago, reliable sources informed SOHR that Syria Democratic Forces brought in military reinforcement this morning to their positions in Ain Issa area in the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah. This development coincided with the ongoing violent battles on Jahbal and Mushayrifah frontlines in eastern Ain Issa between SDF and Turkish-backed factions, amid flights by Turkish reconnaissance drones over the area.
SOHR activists reported earlier this morning a violent attack by Turkish-backed factions, backed by intensive Turkish artillery fire, on Jahbal and Mushayrifah villages in the eastern countryside of Ain Issa in northern Al-Raqqah. Moreover, fierce clashes were underway between the factions and SDF since the early hours of Friday morning, amid intensive bombardment and confirmed reports of human losses. Meanwhile, the faction were not able to capture the two villages due to the SDF tenacious resistance.
It is worth noting that these clashes occurred in full view of the Russian forces which seemed indifferent.
On the other hand, a landmine exploded in a booby-trapped house in Jahbal village, while uncertainty surrounded the fate of two persons of the same family living there.