Militant groups have announced the start of their offensive to capture ISIS-held Dabiq in northern Syria. Clashes have been reported in Sawran, Ihtaymilat and Dabiq itself, with Ghaylaniye just captured by the Turkey-backed militant fighters.

Dabiq is said to be the site of the final battle between Muslims and Christians in apocalyptic Islamic prophesy.

Although not strategically important, the moral loss of Dabiq will be a huge blow to ISIS.

ISIS newspaper al-Naba’ have said that the current Dabiq conflict is not prophesied “greater battle of Dabiq.”

Turkish military sources claim the operation to capture Dabiq started 10 days ago.

“The operation for Dabiq started 10 days ago. We started the effort to take control of the region from the south. Daesh [ISIS] targets are being hit by Turkish fighter jets and artillery,” a source told Reuters.