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The end of ISIS could be near after Turkish-backed rebels swooped on the phrophecy town in Syria. Warplanes have been carrying out bombing rads on the small town where ISIS militants are desperately holding out despite the fierce onslaught. Dabiq has great religious significance to ISIS as it is named in Islamic mythology as the site of an apocalyptic battle between Muslim and Christian armies.

GETTY The Battle for Dabiq is under way after Syrian Free Army fighters launched a ground offensive

GETTY Turkish-backed Syrian Free Army forces prepare for Battle of Dabiq

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, said ISIS had stationed around 1,200 of its fighters in the northern Syrian town. Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel groups have been pushing into Isis territory in an operation backed by Turkey since 24 August. Several towns near the village have been recaptured in recent days.

GETTY Free Syrian Army fighters have been preparing to launch an assault on Dabiq

Before the battle, Mostafa Sejari of the FSA-linked al-Mutasim Brigade, said: "We expect that the battle of Dabiq will be the fiercest ever. "Daesh [ISIS] has brought hundreds of fighters into the area, including their special forces, to confront us. "Daesh has built its myth in Dabiq, exploiting the ignorance and lack of knowledge among people and taking advantage of history and religion to achieve its evil project. "By controlling Dabiq, we break the myth of Daesh and open a road to reach Marea. "Controlling Dabiq is just a matter of time, God willing."

GETTY Free Syrian Army fighters