SDF Trucks Take Hundreds Out of Islamic State Enclave
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) evacuated hundreds of people from the Islamic State (IS) enclave of Baghuz, east Deir Ezzor, on February 20, according to local and international reports.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on the same day that about 40 trucks carrying 2,000 people, including 180 IS fighters, left Baghuz for an unknown location in Iraq.
The Kurdish news outlet ANHA published footage on February 20 showing hundreds of civilians, mostly IS families, leaving Baghuz. A woman speaking at 39 seconds in the footage says she’s Russian.
According to AFP, SDF spokesman Adnan Afrin said on February 19 “dozens of civilians and some fighters have handed themselves over.”
Responding to these and other reports, the International Coalition for Operation Inherent Resolve said on Twitter: “We are aware of open-source reports of ISIS fighters reportedly surrendering […] We cannot independently verify these reports. However, the SDF continue to receive civilians attempting to escape to safety and the most hardened ISIS fighters still remain in Baghuz.” Credit: ANHA via Storyful
