US-Supported Rebels Attack Key City Held by ISIS

US-backed rebels in the battle against the Islamic State in Syria have successfully captured an airbase that was under the control of ISIS forces. They are currently fighting to seize a strategic area near the border with Iraq. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, based in London, reported on July 9 that this airbase is located near a strategic area held by ISIS close to the Iraqi border. Reuters quoted the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stating that the rebels have been supported by Western-backed special forces. According to the organization, foreign paratroopers were present in the operation, having landed in the area from helicopters. The attack on this airbase took place on the evening of July 8. Intense clashes between the parties have been reported. This airbase is located five kilometers northwest of Al-Bukamal, which is one of the main centers of ISIS presence and a strategic point near the Iraqi border. The US-backed armed group known as the New Syrian Army announced on Tuesday that the assault to capture this city on the banks of the Euphrates River has begun. Capturing Al-Bukamal would obstruct the movement of Islamic State forces across the borders of Syria and Iraq, within the self-proclaimed caliphate of this group. Recent reports indicate that battles are continuing within the city itself. Reuters notes that the New Syrian Army was formed nearly 18 months ago, consisting mainly of rebels who were forced to flee due to ISIS advances in eastern Syria and the capture of Mosul in Iraq.