Intense footage reemphasizes the complex dynamics of the Syrian war as militants of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) sneak into a Turkish-backed mercenary camp, catching them off guard, and reportedly killing six.

The footage begins showing two SDF fighters in full ghillie suits approaching a dwelling in which multiple enemy fighters are housed. Their undisciplined enemy has no sentry posted to warn them of approaching hostiles, unless they were relying on the dog, which was soundly asleep.

One of the Kurdish fighters throws a grenade into the backside of the building and the cameraman approaches from the front and fires several rounds into a group of the mercenaries. The cameraman's rifle then jams and he retreats to perform immediate action on the weapon. One of their support by fire elements can be seen firing rounds uncomfortably close to the assault team, so the cameraman gives hand signals to cease fire.

In true hit-and-run Kurdish fashion, they quickly exfiltrate the area before being locked into heavy combat by enemy reinforcements. On their way out, the cameraman fires an RPG at one of the dwellings, hoping to keep the enemy's head down so they can make their escape unhindered.

According to the SDF report, they killed six Turkish-backed mercenaries in this assault, but also had on friendly killed in action.

The Kurdish-led, US-backed SDF claim the raid was carried out in Tall Tamr, Syria, in retribution for ongoing Turkish airstrikes against the Kurdish people in northern and eastern Syria.

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Will Killmore

Will Killmore is a US Army combat infantry veteran and Purple Heart recipient. He has deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 172nd Stryker Brigade and 173rd Airborne Brigade. Following his time in service, he successfully pursued a certificate of journalism and has been a blogger for Funker530 since 2014. Follow Will’s bad takes on Twitter