SOHR: Military conflicts Continue Near Hasaka – Military conflicts continue between Syrian Democratic forces and IS near Hasaka Military conflicts continue between Syrian Democratic forces and IS near… Reuters

HASAKA — 22 Febr 2016 -Heavy clashes are ongoing between the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Islamic State (IS) near Hasaka in the North of Syria, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported.

Syrian Democratic forces, including the People’s Protection Units (YPG), have recently launched a large-scale operation near Hasaka, and recaptured a vast area from IS and other insurgents.The military confrontations are continuing in the areas near Hasaka according to the information obtained by SOHR. The London-based organisation said that 30 Kurdish fighters have reportedly been captured by IS, however, the report remains unconfirmed. The Syrian Democratic forces, in which YPG is a major component, has been formed and backed by US to recapture the IS de-facto capital of Raqqa. The area has recently witnessed intensified clashes as Turkey is not pleased with the advances made by the Kurdish forces toward Hasaka, and started shelling Azzaz and surrounding areas in Northern Syria. www.mesop.de