IS Ramps Up Attacks On Kurds After US Announcement Of Troop Pullout From Syria - SDF

CAIRO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd December, 2018) The Islamic State terrorist group (IS, banned in Russia) has stepped up attacks on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) after the United States announced its plans to withdraw troops from Syria, SDF spokesman Kino Gabriel told Sputnik on Sunday.

On Wednesday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that the United States began the pullout of its forces from Syria. She noted that the troops' withdrawal did not mean the end of the US-led international coalition's fight against the IS. The statement followed President Donald Trump's remark about the IS defeat in Syria.

"The IS uses US statements about troops' withdrawal and ramps up attacks on our forces," Gabriel said.

According to Gabriel, SDF forces continue offensive into Hajin and its suburbs in coordination with the US-led international coalition.

He, however, added that the SDF saw no signs of real pullout of US troops from Syria "on the ground."

The Kurdish-led SDF, backed by Washington, are engaged in fight against terrorists, but they also keep under control regions in northeast Syria, which is regarded by Damascus as illegal.