Kurdish-led forces in Syria announced a new offensive against ISIS on Thursday, days after the terror group launched a deadly attack on a northern prison.
Six Kurdish fighters were killed on Monday when ISIS attacked the holding complex in Raqqa, the group's former de facto capital in Syria, in a bid to free fellow militants.
The Syrian Democratic Forces said the offensive — Operation Al Jazeera Thunderbolt — aimed to “eliminate” ISIS from areas that had been “the source of the recent terrorist attacks”.
The SDF said the operation was being carried out alongside the US-backed anti-ISIS coalition, although there was no immediate confirmation from the international force that it was taking part.
The statement said that, in addition to the thwarted Raqqa attack, ISIS fighters had recently carried out eight assaults in the northern Syrian areas of Deir Ezzor, Hasakah and Al Hol camp for displaced people, which houses militants' family members.
Referencing recent Turkish air strikes on Kurdish forces in north-east Syria, the SDF said ISIS was trying to “take advantage” of the situation by “carrying out more terrorist attacks”.
After conquering large parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014, ISIS saw its so-called caliphate collapse three years later, but it continues to launch attacks through sleeper cells in both countries.
The SDF has spearheaded the fight against ISIS in Syria and drove the group from its last stronghold in the country in 2019.
US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East, said on Thursday that it has carried out 108 “partnered” operations against ISIS in Syria during 2022, along with 14 unilateral operations, leading to the arrest of 215 militants and the deaths of 466 others.
Agencies contributed to this report
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Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
