An ambush in Syria linked to the Islamic State group has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 militiamen. The attack took place in the village of al-Kawm, located in a contested region of eastern Syria, between November 7 and 8, 2023. Al-Kawm is strategically positioned between Homs and Raqqa, cities controlled by different forces.
The casualties were members of the National Defense Forces, a militia supporting the Syrian regime. The ambush highlights the ongoing risks in this unstable area.
Reports from Syrian state media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights have confirmed the incident. Pro-government media reports a death toll of 21, but the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights indicates it could be as high as 34. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, and there has been no official comment from Syrian authorities.
Al-Kawm is situated in a strategically significant region, with control divided between various factions. The Syrian government controls Homs, while U.S.-backed Kurdish-led forces dominate Raqqa. The area has recently experienced a surge in violent activities.
In addition to this ambush, Syria has witnessed increased violence in other regions. Government forces have intensified their offensive in the northwest, an area largely under opposition control. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias are attacking U.S. bases in eastern and southern Syria.
The conflict in Syria, ongoing since 2011, has led to a major humanitarian crisis. The prolonged fighting has displaced millions, escalating the demand for humanitarian aid.