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Despite rapidly spreading reports that Egyptian Salafi-Jihadist group Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis (ABM) has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, that does not appear to be the case. Initially reported by Reuters, other sources have run with the dubious story without further vetting the information.
ISIS escalated its attacks in the capital as Shi’a Muslims commemorated the anniversary of Imam Hussein’s death in what is known as Ashura, or the tenth day of Muharram.
ISF and Iraqi Shia militias continued the operation to retake Baiji district from ISIS.
ISIS is targeting members of the Albu Nimr tribe in Hit district in retaliation for their anti-ISIS stance.
On August 28, JN and rebel forces seized control of the Golan Heights border crossing with Israel in Quneitra province.
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The regime’s seizure of Morek is a significant setback for rebel forces seeking to maintain the disruption of the regime’s preferred supply line to Aleppo north from Hama along the M5 highway.
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Iraqi Shia militias area challenging ISIS on multiple fronts. In northern Babil, ISF and militias are capitalizing on their recent gains in Jurf al-Sakhar to clear ISIS strongholds in areas like Owissat and are using Fadhliyah, adjacent to the Anbar system, to advance toward Amiriyat al-Fallujah in coordination with Anbar Operations Command (AOC).
Rebel gains in southern Syria and efforts to sever regime supply routes north and south of Damascus indicate that the regime has lost momentum in the capital region. Rebel alliances show greater cohesion in this zone, as well a greater cooperation with Jabhat al-Nusra, while the regime is showing signs of severe manpower shortage. The regime is attempting to fill its ranks with new conscripts and reservists. The regime will likely need to reinforce its southern front in order to reverse rebel gains, though it is likely that the regime will need to sacrifice efforts elsewhere in order to provide sufficient support.
Iraqi Shia militias and the ISF expanded their operations in Northern Babil by working to neutralize ISIS pockets of resistance in the Farisiyah and Fadhliyah areas of Jurf al-Sakhar.