The Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS) is facing a flank from the northern and southern perimeters of their stronghold at Tal Hamees in the Al-Hasakah Governorate.

The northern perimeter is being attacked by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) – in cooperation with the National Defense Forces (NDF) – from the village of Khaza’at in the north.

From the south, the People’s Protection Units (YPG) are steadily gaining towards ISIS’ southern perimeter after the latter lost a number of villages adjacent to Tal Hamees over the course of a month.

The YPG are currently attacking ISIS at the villages of Taweel, Al-Zaaqat, and Amnat – they are steadily approaching Tal Hamees.

The operation to liberate Tal Hamees is not a joint operation between the SAA and YPG; however, a military source has stated that both sides are aware of each parties presence.

If ISIS loses the town of Tal Hamees, they will have no presence near the Syrian-Iraqi northeastern border which links the Iraqi province of Nineveh to the Al-Hasakah Governorate.

Tal Hamees is strategically located southeast of Al-Qamishli and northeast of the provincial capital of Al-Hasakah; its surrounded by rural terrain and an abundance of small villages nearby.