ARA news agency quoted local sources as saying that the ISIL has recently increased its checkpoints inside and on the outskirts of the town of Merkadeh, intensifying checking operations in the region; FNA reported.

The agency added that ISIL's intensified security measures came after several members of the group managed to escape from Merkadeh after rising differences among the terrorists.

ISIL executed several members on charges of escaping Merkadeh and assisting residents to leave the town.

Meantime, ISIL is seeking hard to stand against the threats of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces near the town.

Earlier this month, at least three civilians lost their lives and several others were seriously injured after a landmine planted by ISIL militants exploded in a liberated town in Syria’s Northeastern Hasaka Province.

“A landmine that had been planted by ISIL exploded in the Hafayer town South of Hasaka, causing the death of three people from one family,” said human rights activist Wael al-Muhssin, ARA News reported.

The explosion, which took place in a public square in the town, also led to the injury of four people, including a 13-year-old boy, two women and a man.

“The wounded were transferred to the Azizieh Hospital in Hasaka for treatment,” an eyewitness told ARA News.

The town of Hafayer and other parts of Hasaka Province were liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) last February, subsequent to heavy clashes with ISIL.

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