SDF interdicts ISIS militants at Hawl Camp – CENTCOM
QAMISH, Syria (North Press) – On Thursday, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) communications director, Colonel Joe Buccino said in a statement that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) interdicted on Tuesday militants of the Islamic State Organization (ISIS) at Hawl Camp, east of Hasakah in northeast Syria.
The statement said “At approximately 12:25 am on Sept. 20th, seven ISIS fighters in two vehicles headed in the direction of the Internally Displaced Persons camp at al-Hol were interdicted by U.S. partnered Syrian Democratic Forces.”
One of the vehicles was filled with explosives and militants wearing suicide vests. The vehicle exploded close to the village of Um Fakik, around 20 km northeast of Hawl Camp, which was the target of this operation.
Hawl Camp, located 45 kilometers east of Hasakah, houses around 55.829 people, including 28.725 Iraqis, 18.850 internally displaced Syrians, and 8.254 foreign nationals, according to the latest official statistics obtained by North Press.
The SDF fighters in the area were alerted by the explosion of the first vehicle, leading them to immediate response and within minutes arriving to the location and surrounded the second vehicle.
“Two men exited the second vehicle wearing suicide vests. One detonated his vest. Syrian Democratic Forces shot and killed the second man. The second vehicle was rigged with at least 50 kilograms of explosives.” The statement continued.
The statement revealed that four ISIS militants were killed in the process, and one was arrested, while no losses reported among SDF fighters.
The statement pointed out that “By taking immediate action, and showing disregard for their own safety, the Syrian Democratic Forces demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to creating and maintaining a safe and prosperous region for the people who make it their home. The response of our partnered forces highlights not only dedication to their people, but also their tenacity and commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS.”
On August 25, the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) announced launching the second phase of Operation “Humanity and Security” in Hawl Camp to pursue the ISIS sleeper cells. The operation was conducted in cooperation with the SDF and the US-led Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
On September 17, the Asayish announced the end of its anti-ISIS campaign, in which it arrested 226 suspected ISIS members and seized many weapons.