Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by coalition warplanes, recaptured the ancient Jabar castle in al-Raqa from the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL), the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Thursday (January 5th).
The advance on the castle, on the shores of Lake Assad in the countryside north-west of al-Tabaqa in al-Raqa province, follows violent clashes between ISIL and the Arab-Kurd alliance, with casualties on both sides, the Observatory said.
It follows concentrated clashes to the east of the Jabar area and in the vicinity of al-Swidiyyeh, both on the northern banks of the Euphrates river near a strategic dam the alliance is seeking to recapture from ISIL.
ISIL elements have been preparing for the possible loss of al-Tabaqa, which would serve as a gateway to al-Raqa for the liberating forces, by issuing propaganda saying this loss would be compensated by victories elsewhere.
In preparation for possible defeat, ISIL also has been transferring its prisoners out of al-Tabaqa, the Observatory said.
