LATEST: State Media — Insurgent Mortars Kill 14 in Idlib
Even as the Islamic State of Iraq and as-Sham was declaring a Caliphate from eastern Iraq to northwest Syria, Syrian insurgents were offering a reminder on Sunday that the success of ISIS — which has renamed itself the “Islamic State” — is far from assured.
Days after the Islamic State declared its takeover of Al Bukamal, on the Syria-Iraq border, insurgents are continuing to fight in the town. A local activist said at least four people — two civilians and two insurgents — were killed on Sunday.
The Islamic State used heavy artillery to attack nearby villages such as al-Swe’iya.. A 9-year-old boy was reportedly killed, with many residents fleeing.
The two sides, who have been battling since January, also continued to clash near Deir Ez Zor city, with the Islamic State firing mortars on the suburb of al-Shihail.
Insurgent reinforcements moving towards Deir Ez Zor:
The Syrian air force also was involved in the area, striking the Islamic State’s headquarters in the town of al-Busaira in eastern Deir Ez Zor Province.
State Media: Insurgent Mortars Kill 14 in Idlib
State news agency SANA claims, from “a source in the province”, that insurgent mortars have killed 14 people and wounded more than 40 in Idlib city.
The source said the mortars hit a number of residential neighborhoods and a market.
Idlib is held by the regime, but almost all of the surrounding countryside is in the hands of the opposition.
Video: Celebration in Raqqa Province of Islamic State’s Caliphate
Reaction in Tal Abyad in Raqqa Province to the Islamic State’s declaration of its Caliphate in Iraq and Syria:
