Sep 1, 2015

ALEPPO — The Islamic State (IS) has been launching broad attacks against opposition-controlled areas in the countryside of Aleppo since Aug. 5, when talk began of Turkey and the US-led coalition cooperating with opposition forces to establish a “safe zone” in northern Syria. This area sits north of Aleppo, stretching from the city of Marea to near Jarablus on the Syrian-Turkish border. It would be "safe" in being emptied of IS, Syrian regime forces and fighters affiliated with the Kurdish Democratic Union Party.

The IS attacks began Aug. 9, four days after a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu about the “comprehensive” battle to be waged against IS. Should the safe zone be established, it could spell doom for the extremist organization in the northern countryside of Aleppo and important strongholds, including al-Bab and Manbij, in the eastern countryside. Thus, IS appears to be trying to shuffle the cards and prevent the establishment of the zone.

The IS-affiliated Aamaq news agency reported Aug. 11 that the group’s fighters had “stepped up” attacks on opposition forces north of Aleppo following Ankara’s announcement. IS first attacked the village of Umm Hawsh, 7 kilometers (4 miles) south of Marea, seizing it Aug. 9 after targeting the opposition operations room in the village with a booby-trapped car, killing 38 people. The group also took control of the village of Tilalyan, 4 kilometers to the north of Marea, on Aug. 14.

The biggest offensive took place Aug. 27, during which IS gained control of the villages of Dalhah and Harjala, near the Turkish border, as well as the town of Herbel, 5 kilometers to the northwest of Marea. Meanwhile, opposition forces regained control of the village of Sendf, 4 kilometers to the northwest of Marea, a few hours after IS had seized it.

IS is following a consistent strategy — seize control of small villages and then besiege the bigger villages and towns until they fall. IS’ latest attacks centered on Marea, the opposition's biggest stronghold in the region, now surrounded on three sides. The extremist group faced fierce resistance to the Aug. 27 attack, resulting in the death of some 50 of its fighters.