SDF arrests 13 ISIS members in new campaign in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday the toll of the security operation they launched in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, to pursue the Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells less than a day after its launch.
On Sunday, the SDF launched “Operation Security Reinforcement” against ISIS cells in Deir ez-Zor with the support of the US-led Global Coalition.
The SDF Media Center Director, Farhad Shami, stated to the local Ronahi TV channel that the operation resulted in the arrest of 13 individuals and the killing of others who refused to surrender.
He added that the SDF arrested five ISIS operatives and arrested eight others carrying narcotic substances, in addition to killing three militants who refused to surrender.
Earlier, the Autonomous Administration in Deir ez-Zor praised the security operation, stressing that it was demanded by the locals and tribe leaders to impose security and stability.
ISIS lost its final stronghold in Syria in March 2019. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with the support of the US-led Global Coalition, defeated ISIS after fierce battles in the town of Baghouz in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, bringing an end to the so-called caliphate declared by the terrorist ISIS.
After Baghouz, thousands of ISIS fighters were transferred to prisons, while their families were transferred to Hawl and Roj camps in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES)-held areas.
Issue of the family members of the ISIS held in camps in northeast Syria constitutes an ongoing challenge for the non-internationally recognized AANES, which repeatedly demands that the concerned countries repatriate their nationals.
Also, the AANES continues to call on the international powers to provide support for establishing rehabilitation centers and help in tackling the security situation in the facilities were ISIS foreign nationals are held.
Despite many calls, the majority of countries, including those participating in the Global coalition, refuse to repatriate their nationals.
The countryside of Deir ez-Zor witnesses an increase in cases of assassination, targeting members of the SDF, employees of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), tribal leaders and civilians, despite the intensive security operations launched by the SDF.