Even as Syrian rebels are edging towards Dabiq, a village in Syria that holds significance for Islamic State, the jihadist group has sent 800 more people to protect it.
At least 15 Turkish and Syrian rebels have died in their effort to reach closer to the village. The village holds significance since the jihadist group derives its magazine's name from it. It is also of importance as they believe that a fight between Muslims and "infidel" Christian forces will be the beginning of apocalypse there.
"If matters proceed as planned, we will be in Dabiq within 48 hours," Ahmed Osman, commander of the Sultan Murad Free Syrian Army (FSA) group, told Reuters on Monday.
The jihadist group has fortified the village by surrounding it with mines.
The 15 FSA rebels had also died in mortar fire and landmines set-up around Dabiq. Monday's death toll among the FSA was the highest since they started pushing into core Isis territory on August 24.
Many other villages around Dabiq were recaptured recently by the FSA and the Turkish military claims to have targeted Isis posts around the village.
"Coalition actively supporting Syrian opposition forces as they advance to within a few kilometers of ISIL's weakening stronghold Dabiq," tweeted Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL.
This is not the only area in Syria where Isis has lost territory. US-backed Iraqi troops are also preparing to attack the terrorist group in once Isis-stronghold, Mosul.
