Tajik jihadist behind IS recent gains in Raqqa

(Zaman Alwasl)- Pro-Islamic State activists and supporters praised the efforts made by IS newly military commander (Emir) in Raqqa as the militant group has captured of Tabqa airbase, some 40 km (25 miles) east of the city of Raqqa.

The foreign Jihadist who was born in Tajikistan was appointed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, self-proclaimed Caliph, weeks ago, sources told Zaman Alwasl.

IS fighters on Sunday have captured al-Tabqa airbase in Raqqa province after 4 days of fierce fighting with forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad, a monitoring group and pro-IS activists say.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said IS fighters have taken almost full control of Tabqa base as the fighting is still taking place inside the airport.

IS fighters were seen carrying heads of regime’s soldiers who were killed. The Islamic State beheaded the soldiers in a move seen by many people to terrify those who oppose or even think to oppose the Islamic State, according to the Observatory.

Initial reports say some Assad’s troops have withdrawn heading Athariya town. The Observatory said 320 Syrian troops were killed and missed.

Now, Raqqa has become the first governorate without any Assad regime presence, activists say.