MESOPOTAMIA NEWS : BAGHOUT (SYRIA) UPDATE – PKK/PYD LED KURDISH FORCES CONQUERED LAST ISIS STRONGHOLD – THE CALIPHATE IS FINISHED / SDF advances into Baghuz, last ISIS stronghold, after fighting all night
by Seth Frantzman 2 March 2019 – |
Morning in Baghuz comes with the sound of gunfire as the SDF continue to advance into the small ISIS enclave near the Euphrates.
Al Baguoz
At morining pic.twitter.com/SVmIaYe9qN
— Mustafa Bali (@mustefabali) March 2, 2019
The battle, which began just after 18:00 Syria time, began with attacks at five points around the enclave. The SDF estimates they face 1,000 or more fighters, although some think the ISIS force is smaller.
Heavy clashes ongoing in #Baghouz. #SDF forces are advancing on 5 fronts.
They face an estimated 1000-1500 #ISIS fighters and difficult terrain: suicide bombers, mines and a large tunnel network.
Forces attacking are mainly #YPG, #YPJ and YAT (anti-terror units).
— Rojava Information Center (@RojavaIC) March 1, 2019
The Rojava Information Center even put up an example of the technology being used at the front, including a tablet with a map of the area.
[ON THE GROUND]#SDF commanders on the ground in #Baghouz plot their advance into the last remaining #ISIS-held territory. pic.twitter.com/3Mytfd7zCe
— Rojava Information Center (@RojavaIC) March 1, 2019
The battle began after the last 400 people who wanted to leave were taken out and the last hostages being held by ISIS were thought to be released.
Video, some of which was actually not from the battle, showed heavy fighting. It was difficult to confirm if some of what is placed on line was from last night. This appear to be,
A report of white phosphorus being used on the Daesh camp at dusk tonight. This could have started the fire in the camp. pic.twitter.com/hfMBlkDclO
— Woofers (@NotWoofers) March 1, 2019