CSOJTF – L reaffirms support to local partners, SDF to fight ISIS
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Combined Special Operations Joint Task Force – Levant (CSOJTF – L) stated on Wednesday reaffirming its commitment to regional stability and supporting regional partner forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
The CSOJTF – L released a statement on X (previously Twitter) calling local leaders not to be influenced by actors who want to destabilize the 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 deliver only suffering to the peoples of the area,” the statement read.
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, leader of al-Baggara tribe and a pro-Iranian figure 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.
On Sep. 25 clashes between gunmen affiliated with the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias and the SDF renewed in the town of Diban in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria.
On Sep.26, the SDF announced expelling the gunmen from Diban and regaining control over posts on the Euphrates River they had retreated from before.
“This poses dire consequences and only allows for a situation that nobody welcomes- the resurgence of our common enemy-Daesh,” the statement added.
The CSOJTF – L said they will continue supporting “Partner Forces” by providing advice and assistance, and “enabling operations against Daesh to maintain security and stability throughout the area.”
The statement added that the CSOJTF – L, Partner forces and the SDF will continue preventing “terrorist groups from having the freedom to operate in the region” to ensure the safety of the people.
The statement concluded that Partner Forces and the SDF, supported by CSOJTF-L, will continue to work to establish “a safe, stable environment that allows communities to work together for a brighter future.”