The emir of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was killed alongside 10 other members of the jihadist group in a blast in the northeastern province of al-Hasakah, a rebel news network reported on Thursday.

The Masar Press Agency reported that Abu Bara al-Libi had taken charge of the ISIS branch only for a “short period.”

Local tribes had declared war on the militant group, accused by other rebel groups and opposition activists of collaborating with the forces of President Bashar al-Assad.

Tribes in the eastern Syrian province of Deir al-Zour have begun recruiting hundreds of fighters in readiness to battle the group, according to Al Arabiya News Channel.

ISIS has been fighting the al-Qaeda-linked Nusra Front and other Islamic groups in Deir al-Zour in the province for weeks over territory in Abu Kamal town which was previously captured from President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, including oil fields.

Last week an activist from Deir al-Zour told the Associated Press that Nusra Front fighters and their allies brought reinforcements into Abu Kamal city and forced out ISIS gunmen after midnight, according to the Associated Press.

While fighters in Deir al-Zour have succeeded in pushing away ISIS, the tribes expect an imminent assault from the jihadist group especially from the al-Sour and Markada towns where it launched its attacks in early April.

Syrian rebels initially welcomed battle-hardened jihadists to their struggle, but Islamist and non-Islamist groups alike turned on ISIS after it began kidnapping, torturing and killing activists and rival rebels, and imposing its strict version of Islam by force.

[With AP]

Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 13:52 - GMT 10:52