Islamic State in Iraq and Levant (ISIL) forces started approaching Ain Al Arab city in
September 20, 2014 and controlled its eastern countryside and Maktala village. This
village is considered strategic due to its location on the crossroad of Joban and Tel Abyad
that leads to Ain Al Arab sub-district. Regarding the western countryside Alshuyukh and
Jarablus crossroad was under their control too, this crossroad that leads to Ain Al Arab,
Alizaa area was also controlled. Therefore, Ain Al Arab sub-district was besieged
completely from east and west sides.
The recent earthquake that struck the south of Turkey and the north of Syria on the 6th of February has
caused widespread des