Reports of rebellion, desertions in Islamic State’s capital city of Raqqa

THE jihadist capital of Raqqa is reportedly in chaos as deserting fighters take up arms against their former brothers.

THE Islamic State’s capital of Raqqa is reportedly in the grip of upheaval as deserting fighters take up arms against their former brothers, even as Kurdish and Syrian forces advance on the city.

Middle Eastern media is citing reports that up to 200 militants abandoned the black flag late last week and are now fighting to liberate the people of Raqqa from their former brothers in arms.

The uprising follows a series of smaller desertions during the past month and a string of serious setbacks for the hard-line jihadist organisation.

Most notably, an allied air strike recently destroyed much of Islamic States’ reserves of cash. This has made it difficult for the extremist religious group to maintain its facade as a viable government capable of paying public servants to maintain essential services.

STRIKE UPDATE: @RoyalAirForce inflict further air strikes on #Daesh in Syria & Iraq https://t.co/iOZ47WmRGy https://t.co/oNJ2rRjGz6

— Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 7, 2016

Islamic State fighters in the northern Syrian district of Raqqa have also suffered a string of setbacks.

The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) have continued to roll back the jihadists in the north, while Syrian Government Forces — backed by Russian tanks and air power — have been making steady gains in the east.

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Cracks in Islamic State’s control are emerging as its enemies advance on its capital.

Alalam news states fierce clashes erupted between Islamic State and the large group of deserters in and around Raqqa late last week.

It reports a group calling itself “Faylak al-Sham” is claiming dozens of former IS fighters have swelled its ranks in the province’s north.

A building used as a headquarters of the Islamic State government in the city of Raqqa.

Hamrin news says it has received reports of a “major rift” in the ranks of Islamic State, resulting in fighting in the streets of Raqqa.

It cites a source as stating: “The splits within the organisation occurred as a result of internal differences in the ranks of the terrorist organisation, and led to armed clashes and dozens of deaths.”

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The infighting reportedly resulted in the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ali Tounsi along with several of his closest followers.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the rebels had barricaded themselves in warehouses and a hotel near one of the city’s key roundabouts.

Islamic State then summoned reinforcements from surrounding towns to put down the uprising.

Beautiful @WSJ use of ISW's #Syria Control Map data. https://t.co/koHr8KGsS6 pic.twitter.com/Hcs2H1zcr5

— ISW (@TheStudyofWar) March 7, 2016

As Islamic State’s frontline forces are rolled back, the jihadists appear to be adopting the same insurgency tactics they used as a terrorist group fighting US forces in Iraq.

A string of suicide bomb attacks have rocked Baghdad and other regional centres in recent weeks.

Such high profile actions may be a ‘fallback strategy’ to create a diversion from Islamic State’s increasing desperation.

Last week, ISIS fighters staged a raid on the city of Abu Ghraib.

The attack successfully seized a dozen trucks filled with grain which were then delivered to the besieged city of Fallujah.