Baghouz: SDF says 2,000 ISIS fighters, families surrender as offensive continues

“Between 1,500 to 2,000 fighters and their families surrendered to our forces within 24 hours.”

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their offensive against the so-called Islamic State in Syria’s Baghouz with hundreds of militants surrendering, an SDF spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Mustafa Bali, the spokesperson for the SDF, said in a tweet that the Kurdish-led forces “continue their final push against whatever remains of the so-called caliphate,” adding Islamic State members have surrendered “en masse” since Monday.

“Between 1,500 to 2,000 fighters and their families surrendered to our forces within 24 hours,” Bali wrote.

In an earlier tweet, the spokesperson said clashes on Tuesday took place in several areas of Baghouz with at least 38 Islamic State fighters dead.

Bali also said coalition air raids “led to the destruction of a number of military vehicles, defensive fortifications, ammunition depots, and a command post.”

He added that 10 SDF fighters were wounded and three others killed.

Related Article: Clashes in Syria’s Baghouz kill ‘dozens’ of ISIS fighters: SDF spokesperson

The US-backed SDF relaunched their offensive in Baghouz on Sunday after the remaining Islamic State fighters refused to surrender.

The SDF had given the extremists an ultimatum on Friday to surrender or prepare for battle.

The final push was initially put on hold by the US-led coalition and the SDF to save civilians and hostages that were being held captive by the remaining Islamic State fighters.

Read More: Heavy fighting erupts in last ISIS pocket in Syria after timeline expires

SDF commander Adnan Efrin told Kurdistan 24 on Sunday that the Kurdish-led forces had rescued tens of thousands of civilians during the past month with thousands of Islamic State members surrendering as well.

“Our forces will pause the offensive if we see more civilians who wish to evacuate the area or if we need to free any hostages,” Efrin stated.

“We don't want any further injuries or deaths and hope for a speedy victory.”