SDF arrests 4 NDF militants in combing operation in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Tuesday taking full control of the village of Hawaij in the town of Diban in the east of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, following recent clashes and security chaos in the area.
Head of SDF Media Center, Farhad Shami, published photos showing SDF fighters in the towns of Diban and Shuhail.
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 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.
Shami published photos of SDF fighters at the entrance of the town of Shuhail where ISIS militants were active. The gunmen had fortified themselves in the town.
Shami stated on Tuesday that the SDF completed combing operations in the town of Hawaij, adding that they arrested four militants of the National Defense Forces(NDF), armed groups affiliated with the Syrian government forces, following clashes.