24 Nov 2018 | 09:10 PM UTC
Syria: IS kills 24 SDF fighters in Deir Al-Zor province November 23
Islamic State (IS) militants kill 24 US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters in Deir Al-Zor province November 23; similar IS attacks expected in Deir Al-Zor over the coming weeks
Event
Islamic State (IS) militants killed 24 US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters in an attack on Al-Bahra village (Deir Al-Zor province) on Friday, November 23. Similar IS attacks on SDF fighters are to be expected in Deir Al-Zor province over the coming weeks.
Context
The SDF is a US-backed umbrella group of militias, led by the primarily Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), and a belligerent in the Syrian Civil War. The SDF has ousted IS from several areas formerly under its control, notably including Raqqa, Al-Tabqah, and Manbij. IS has lost most of the territory it once controlled in Iraq and Syria after suffering major military defeats following its 2014 offensive.
To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.
Advice
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
