“Islamic State” Advances in Rural Aleppo

Press Release

Syrian Coalition

August 15, 2014

The Syrian Coalition warns against extremely adverse consequences resulting from the latest advances by “the Islamic State” (IS) in rural Aleppo. In the past couple of days, the extremist group, formerly called “the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” (ISIS), seized a number of towns and villages in northern Aleppo including the towns of Akhtarin and Turkmen. The group is reportedly planning to take the strategic town of Mare’a.

If the international community’s efforts to combat IS are to be effective, it is vital to realize that the IS threat in Syria is as serious and dangerous as it is in Iraq.

The Syrian Coalition warned time and again against the dangers of turning a blind eye to the growing threat of IS. In fact, it was the Free Syrian Army (FSA) that pushed back IS militants and drove them out of a number of key areas in northern Syria, including Aleppo, earlier this year.

Similarly, under the current circumstances, providing the FSA with immediate assistance, including the provision of advanced weaponry, is the most efficient way to take on the extremist group and protect vulnerable civilians in areas under IS attacks.