Islamic State Trapped in Small Eastern Syria Enclave with Families, Claims U.S.-Backed Force – Reuters

By Rodi Said

QAMISHLI, Syria – Islamic State fighters in eastern Syria are cornered in a small area along with their families, which has compelled a U.S.-backed militia to delay its offensive to ensure civilian safety, a militia spokesperson reported on Tuesday.

An aid organization noted that over 10,000 civilians had escaped the enclave since last week, arriving at a camp in dire need of food and assistance.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by approximately 2,000 U.S. troops and air support, are gearing up for a final confrontation with Islamic State after significantly reducing their presence in the region that once comprised the group’s self-declared caliphate.

SDF spokesperson Mustafa Bali indicated that Islamic State fighters are now restricted to an area of about 5-6 square kilometers by the Euphrates River. The inclusion of their families has made it impossible for the militia to conduct a full-scale assault, leading them to adopt slower, more calculated strategies instead.

"There are thousands of Daesh families there. They are civilians after all," Bali explained. "We cannot storm the area or put any child’s life at risk."

The SDF declined a proposal from the jihadists, relayed through mediators, which offered to surrender the territory in exchange for safe passage.

Clashes in the region have diminished due to the presence of these civilians, resulting in "precise operations" that require more time. "While calm prevails on the frontlines, there is a state of caution and preparedness," he added.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is currently attending to a significant influx of over 10,000 individuals, primarily women, children, and the elderly, who have arrived at a camp in northeast Syria during the past week.

Most newcomers are reportedly exhausted, extremely hungry, and dehydrated from their escape from Islamic State territory. Many arrived without shoes. The United Nations has reported the tragic deaths of 12 young children, either upon reaching the al-Hol camp or during the perilous journey.

The SDF, led by the Kurdish YPG militia, has captured vast areas of northern and eastern Syria with U.S. assistance and has been combating the remnants of Islamic State near the Iraqi border for several months.

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the defeat of Islamic State and declared an unexpected withdrawal of American troops, despite objections from senior advisors, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who resigned in protest.

Following a bomb attack that killed several individuals, including two U.S. soldiers, the SDF pledged to intensify its operations against Islamic State this month. Officials from the SDF have cautioned against the potential resurgence of the group if U.S. forces depart.

Kurdish leaders are also concerned that a U.S. withdrawal would enable Turkey, which views the YPG as a threat, to launch a new offensive. However, Washington has assured that it will take measures to protect its allies when it exits the region.