US remains focused on working with SDF to defeat ISIS in Syria – Pentagon
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Spokesperson of the US Department of Defense stated on Tuesday that Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) is monitoring the situation in northeast Syria and remains focused on working with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to guarantee the defeat of the Islamic State (ISIS).
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said in a press briefing, “CJTF-OIR remains focused on working with the Syrian Democratic Forces to ensure the defeat of ISIS and support of regional and security and stability, and that remains our only focus.”
“Distractions from this critical work does create instability and increases the risk of an ISIS resurgence,” he added.
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 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 Nawaf 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.
Ryder reiterated that they would remain in the region, which is characterized by instability, and work with local and regional partners to focus on the defeat of ISIS mission to go forward.