Not so long ago, the small Syrian town of Baghuz must have been a pleasant place.

Nestled among pomegranate groves and palm trees on the meanders of the Euphrates river, its boxy concrete homes and businesses enjoyed fertile soil, broad gardens, and a moderate winter climate.

But on Sunday it was a scene of horrific destruction – its roads cratered, homes flattened, and gardens destroyed as Islamic State terrorist group’s most fanatical fighters made their last stand against Western backed forces.

The Western backed Syrian Democratic Forces have spent months methodically boxing Isil into a small patch of ground here, and announced the beginning of the operation to storm their final tiny redoubt…

To continue reading this article

Start a 30-day free trial for unlimited access to Premium articles

  • Unlimited access to Premium articles 
  • Subscriber-only events and experiences
  • Cancel any time

Free for 30 days

then only £2 per week

Try Premium

Save 25% with an annual subscription

Just £75 per year

 

Save now

Register for free and access one Premium article per week

Register

Only subscribers have unlimited access to Premium articles.Register for free to continue reading this article
RegisterOr unlock all Premium articles.
Free for 30 days, then just £1 per week
Start trial
Save 40% when you pay annually.
View all subscription options  |
Already have an account? Login

Login

Print subscriber? Click here

Categories:

Tags:

Comments are closed