Rebel seizure of Dabiq strikes symbolic blow against ISIL

World Today

The recapture of the Syrian village of Dabiq by Turkish-backed rebels is no ordinary defeat for ISIL. It is a big symbolic blow for the self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate.

The recapture of the Syrian village of Dabiq by Turkish-backed rebels is no ordinary defeat for ISIL. It is a big symbolic blow for the self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate.

CCTV’s Natalie Carney explains from Istanbul, Turkey.

The village of Dabiq was supposed to be the site of a climactic battle between Muslims and non-Muslims. It was part of ISIL’s vision for the end of the world.

Now that apocalyptic showdown may never happen. Dabiq has been ISIL’s control since 2014. It’s recapture on Sunday by Turkish-backed rebels dealt a major blow to ISIL’s propaganda campaign.

Some 2,000 Syrian rebel fighters re-took the village with the help of tank and artillery support from the Turkish Army.

ISIL’s loss of Dabiq also symbolizes the group’s declining fortunes since Turkey launched Euphrates Shield-a military operation to support Syrian opposition forces in clearing terrorists from areas near Syria’s border with Turkey.

Dabiq is also a strategic victory on the way to the city of Al-Bab-ISIL’s last bastion of control in Aleppo province.

ISIL have used their control of the prophesied town of Dabiq as something of a recruitment tool to entice potential fighters. ISIL even named its on-line magazine after the town. Analysts said they may now have to re-think that propaganda tactic.

For ISIL, Dabiq has become a symbol of defeat, but far from a final one. While one of the rebel commanders said the group’s fighters put up “minimal resistance,” ISIL hasn’t abandoned its belief in a Muslim Armageddon.