The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces resumed their offensive on the last area held by ISIS extremist organization Sunday after days of calm that saw thousands of civilians leave the area.
Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Kurdish-led SDF, tweeted that operations began after the deadline for ISIS extremists to surrender expired.
Around sunset, sniper fire was seen coming from ISIS positions as the SDF pounded the area held by the extremists. An SDF commander who identified himself as Bilal said Sunday's fighting "was the heaviest clashes he'd seen since then."
The fighting came a day after an SDF official said they could soon resume the offensive against ISIS, adding that the battle could last three days. SDF official Aras Orkesh said on Saturday that about 2,500 fighters are ready for the battle in and around the eastern village of Baghouz, where ISIS militants still have a presence.
Under the cover of heavy coalition bombing on March 1-2, SDF forces advanced on the besieged tent encampment, leaving a corridor for residents to leave. Following that operation, thousands of residents and many fighters evacuated Baghouz over the next four days. But since Friday, only a small group has come out, raising speculation that a renewed military offensive is about to begin.
Bali, the SDF spokesman, tweeted Sunday that the decision to resume the offensive came after thousands of civilians left Baghouz, which is the last village held by ISIS.
"Our forces are ready now to start and finish what is left in ISIS's hand" Bali added.
The area on the east bank of the Euphrates River in the province of Deir Ezzor that borders Iraq has been under attack by the SDF since September. After capturing the surrounding towns and villages over the past six months, the SDF in recent weeks advanced on Baghouz from three sides, besieging it.
The capture of Baghouz would be a milestone in the devastating four-year campaign to defeat the extremist group's rule.
