For the third time since September, Kurdish forces are pushing into the “last” ISIS-held village in eastern Syria, and are predicting that ISIS is on the verge of outright defeat in the region.



ISIS has held a tiny territory in this area, spanning three towns and some adjoining villages. US-backed Kurdish forces have been attacking this area since summer, and have taken effectively all of it on numerous occasions.



While ISIS has substantial defensive forces int he area, they also have an even larger remnant force in the deserts of eastern Syria. These forces tend to launch counter-offensives at the first opportunity after major losses, and have repeatedly retaken sacked areas.



This has led to estimates that roughly 5,000 civilians have fled the area in question. This has often been presented as a sign that ISIS is on the verge of defeat, though their ability to keep retaking those towns and villages has left open the question of now long the battle might ultimately rage.



Author: Jason Ditz Jason Ditz is news editor of Antiwar.com. View all posts by Jason Ditz