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French forces deployed in Syria in the framework of operations of the US-led coalition are reportedly preparing to expand its military infrastructure in the country and to establsih a new base in western Raqqah.

Farsnews reports (source):

French military plan to set up a security base in Western Raqqa that is under the control of the US-backed militias, a militant-affiliated news website reported on Saturday.

Smart news reported that the French Forces paid a visit to Kandal Field in Western Raqqa in Northeastern Syria that is under the control of Washington-backed militias.

It further said that the French forces left their base in the town of Manbij in Northern Aleppo to set up a security base in western Raqqa, adding that almost 140 militias will go under intelligence- security trainings under the French forces’ supervision.

Meantime, other reports said the French are running talks with ISIL in Eastern Syria.

The Arabic-language al-Ahd news website quoted militant-affiliated sources as disclosing that the talks between the French forces and the ISIL meant to reach an agreement for the release of 5,000 captives in ISIL’s jails, adding that the French forces, in return, would insure the ISIL terrorists’ safe evacuation from the villages and towns of Hajin, Albu Hassan, al-Sha’afa, al-Shouseh and al-Baqouz in Southeastern Deir Ezzur.

Based on the agreement, the ISIL would be relocated to Abu Hamezeh and Tal al-Shayer regions in Southeastern Hasaka near the border with Iraq.

Also, both sides agreed to continue talks over the release of 620 women and children who are family members of ISIL militants that are in the Kurdish fighters’ custody.

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According to Turkish sources, the French military already have at least 5 facilities in the northern part of of the war-torn country. All these facilities are establsihed in the area controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF is a coalition of US “partner forces” dominated and de-facto controlled by Kurdish militias.

If the reports about a new French facility in western Raqqah are confirmed, Paris will have 6 facilities in the country.