Syrian Kurdish officials are warning that they believe ISIS is planning an offensive against their key northeastern city of al-Hasakah, one of several Kurdish cities ISIS has been keen on acquiring.
The Kurdish YPG militia has been managing the defense of Hasakah, but notes that in recent days there is a “big mobilization” of ISIS fighters just to the south which could portend a new push.
The offensive is likely to start against the neighboring town of Tel Tamr, which is a major part of the Kurdish defensive supply line, and would soften up the much bigger Hasakah for a push.
A city of about 200,000 people, Hasakah is the de facto capital of Syrian Kurdish territory, and a common destination for refugees fleeing ISIS territory in the surrounding area.