ATTACKS by Turkish-backed jihadist sleeper cells in Syria increased last month, with intensified activity seen in cities in border areas and inside the so-called buffer zone, according to a new report.

The Rojava Information Centre (RIC) recorded 95 sleeper cell attacks in August and said they were intended to “destabilise infrastructure and shatter the fragile peace in the region, paving the way for Turkey’s expected invasion.”

Isis cells were behind most of the attacks, but there has also been increased activity by the Turkish-linked Ahrar al-Shaab group, focusing on border cities such as Sere Kaniye, Dirbesiye and Qamishlo.