CJTFOIR supports SDF, calls all forces to cease fighting in Deir ez-Zor
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTFOIR) urged on Saturday all armed forces in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, to end the clashes at once.
The CJTFOIR called for “an immediate end to the continued clashes in the Deir ez-Zor region.”
“Destabilization of the region caused by the recent violence has resulted in tragic and needless loss of life. It is imperative that all local leaders resist the influence of malign actors who promise many rewards but will deliver only suffering to the peoples of the area,” the CJTFOIR said in a statement.
It reaffirmed their continued support for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and called all forces to immediately cease fighting and reach a peaceful resolution that allows them to focus on the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS).
On Aug. 27, the SDF launched a military operation called “Security Reinforcement” with the support of the US-led Global Coalition on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River, specifically in Deir ez-Zor, “to eradicate Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells, pursue criminals responsible for perpetrating injustices against the local population, and to track down smugglers who exploit the populace’s livelihoods.”
On Aug. 30, the SDF announced the dismissal of commander of Deir ez-Zor Military Council, Ahmad al-Khabil, known as Abu Khawla, from duty, for his involvement “in multiple crimes and violations, including communication and coordination with external entities hostile to the revolution, committing criminal offenses and engaging in drug trafficking, mismanaging of the security situation, his negative role in increasing the activities of ISIS cells,” according to the SDF.
The operation led to the eruption of clashes between the SDF and gunmen affiliated with the dismissed leader and with al-Bashir whose groups are active in the western bank of the Euphrates which is under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias.