ISIS attacks positions held by U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in southeastern Syria

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) celebrate the first anniversary of Raqqa province liberation from ISIS, in Raqqa, Syria Ocotber 27, 2018 (photo credit: ABOUD HAMAM / REUTERS)
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) celebrate the first anniversary of Raqqa province liberation from ISIS, in Raqqa, Syria Ocotber 27, 2018
(photo credit: ABOUD HAMAM / REUTERS)
BEIRUT, Dec 21 - slamic State launched an attack on Friday on Syrian Democratic Forces' positions in Hajin region in southeastern Syria, Mustafa Bali, the head of the SDF media office said.
"ISIS is launching a huge attack, heavy clashes are taking place there," he tweeted. "Only 35% percent from Hajin is liberated by our forces."
The attack was launched on Friday on positions held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in southeastern Syria and the U.S.-led coalition mounted air strikes in the area, an SDF official said.
Islamic State used car bombs and dozens of militants in the attack near Abu Khaser village in the Hajin area of southeastern Syria, where the SDF and coalition are battling to wipe out the last Islamic State pocket east of the Euphrates River, the SDF official Mustafa Bali said.
Fierce clashes were continuing, Bali said in a text message to Reuters.