The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued their offensive against the Islamic State (IS) Friday, June 22, seizing more ground along the Iraqi border, Al-Masdar News reports.

The SDF troops were able to seize more ground in southeast Al-Hasakah after breaking through the Islamic State’s positions near the Iraqi border.

According to pro-SDF media, their forces managed to capture the town of Al-Zhibah after advancing from nearby Tal Safouk.

As a result of the advance, the SDF was able to meet up with the Iraqi troops at the border of the Nineveh Governorate.

This is a big blow to the Islamic State because the Tal Safouk area is where they first made their announcement that established their so-called ‘caliphate’ (var. khalifah).