Daesh 'to withdraw from Al-Bab' say local sources

By Yildiz Aktas

ANKARA

Daesh is preparing to withdraw from Al-Bab in northern Syria after it "seriously lost hope" due to Turkey's ongoing security operation in the region, local sources said on Friday.

Sources said the decision came after some of the terror group’s senior bomb makers were killed in airstrikes.

Operation Euphrates Shield in northern Syria, which Turkish troops started in late August last year, is aimed at clearing Daesh from towns close to Turkey's borders.

The Turkish authorities have repeatedly said they would continue to support the Free Syrian Army against Daesh until its borders are safe.

Al-Bab lies around 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Turkey.

The estimated number of civilians who are currently in Al-Bab is around 15,000 to 18,000, although many could not escape Daesh terror, the sources added.

Daesh reportedly uses abandoned buildings as arsenals or military bases.

The terrorist group also gathers civilians together at mosques to make propaganda against the Turkish security operation, the sources added.