According to a report by the Syrian Observatory on Human Rights (SOHR) the IS militants conducted a surprise attack, killing at least 60 and wounding at least 100 SDF fighters.

In a statement published in the Telegram messenger app, the IS took responsibility for an attack on the village of al-Sousa and a car bomb detonation near the village of al-Bagouz (al-Baghuz Fawqani).

The SOHR report says the IS terrorists used a sandstorm to ambush the SDF forces, following up with explosives before opening fire in a surprise attack.

"The fighters were advancing during a sandstorm, they were surrounded, Daesh members used explosives and opened fire," the SOHR said.

According to the Syria.liveuamap.com website, the IS controls a small enclave on the eastern bank of the Euphrates river, stretching from the town of Hajin on the north, to al-Sousa on the south.

Jordanian TV channel Al Hadath reported that while SDF liberated Hajin — the largest entity in the enclave, its main target — a second front was opened in September at al-Sousa, to increase pressure on the terrorists.

Syrian Democratic Forces are mainly active on the eastern side of the Euphrates River, fighting the remnants of the IS, which has reportedly been driven from all urban strongholds both in Iraq and Syria.

However, the Syrian government considers the SDF forces illegitimate militants acting without the consent of the central government.

Reporter’s code: 50101