ISIS claims responsible for targeting SDF fighters in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – On Friday, Islamic State Organization (ISIS) claimed responsible for targeting two members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) east of Deir ez-Zor, east Syria.
The ISIS-run Amaq News Agency said in a statement that Jonoud al-Khilafa (soldiers of caliphate) targeted with a pistol two SDF members in center of the town of al-Busayrah, 35 kilometers east of Deir ez-Zor.
“The soldiers withdrew towards a safe zone after the attack. No human losses were reported, and the targeted members were killed,” the agency added.
The SDF warns of the increasing activity of the ISIS in tandem with Turkish threats to launch a new invasion against Syrian north.
On May 23, Erdogan announced taking steps to complete the so-called remained portions of the “safe zone” plan along Turkey’s southern border saying, “We will soon take new steps regarding the incomplete portions of the project we started on the 30 km deep safe zone we established along our southern border.”
The Turkish “safe zone” is an area of 30-35 km (19-22 miles) deep into Syrian territory that Turkey started establishing in 2019 to house Syrian refugees in an area along its border with Syria, as well as to keep it free from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which it regards as terrorists.
On May 25, Turkey’s National Security Council said that Turkey’s “existing and future military operations along its southern borders were necessary for the country’s security.” In the meeting, Erdogan delivered a speech to the MPs of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and said, “Turkish military would continue to rid its neighbour of terrorists” refers to the SDF.
On June 1, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan renewed his threats of launching a military operation on northern Syria, and specified his targets in the two Syrian cities of Manbij and Tel Rifaat, which include many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
On June 2, Mazloum Abdi, the SDF Commander in Chief stressed that any “new escalation will negatively affect our campaign against ISIS.”