Islamic State claims responsibility for northeastern Aleppo attack that killed two Syrian soldiers

The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for an attack that resulted in the deaths of two Syrian soldiers near the city of Manbij in Aleppo province. The Syrian Defence Ministry had previously reported the incident, stating that unidentified assailants were responsible.

The militant group issued a statement on its Telegram channel asserting its involvement, though Reuters could not independently verify the claim. This assertion comes amid a recent spate of attacks claimed by Islamic State since February, when the group announced a new phase of operations targeting the government.

The attack occurs within a complex geopolitical context. Syrian government forces have been consolidating their control over parts of northern and eastern Syria. Concurrently, U.S. forces have reportedly begun withdrawing from certain positions in the country's northeast, according to Syrian military and security sources. This dynamic environment may influence the ongoing conflict and the activities of militant groups like IS.

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Islamic State claimed responsibility on Saturday for an attack near the city of Manbij in Syria's northeastern Aleppo province that the Syrian Defence Ministry said killed two soldiers.