According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the Russia-backed regime forces of Syria have made “significant advance” in the al-Bab region. Syrian forces and their allies have taken control of a village close to the city. According to SOHR, the distance between the city and the army is as little as 1,5 km.

The operation to take the al-Bab region had launched recently. The regime forces advanced from the south on Monday and took control of a strategic road from ISIS, thereby completely surrounding the city.

On one end of al-Bab, there are the Turkish forces and the groups they support. The Turkish army has been trying to take this city for months, but they have failed to make a significant advance. On Friday and Saturday, at least 10 Turkish soldiers died and 20 others were injured. These attacks are reported to have been carried out by the Syrian army and the Russian airforce. The Turkish army’s invasion operation had started on August 24, and aims to hinder Kurdish gains.