Speaking to ANHA News Agency, Deir ez-Zor Military Council Commander General Ahmad Abu Khawla greeted the foundation of Deir ez-Zor Civil Council and said they will cooperate with the civil authority.

“It’s a step in the right direction for self-administration of Deir ez-Zor. The military and civil councils are one, they can never be considered as separate. Both councils are established to defend and serve the people of Deir ez-Zor. Our forces free the area from ISIS gangs and the civil council works on administration and provide people food and other vital supplies” he said.

Abu Khawla said they will develop a common framework with civil council and work according to a common plan.

“The mission of both military and civil council is to liberate and serve our people” the commander said.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Deir ez-Zor Military Council started an operation to liberate the east of the Euphrates and Deir ez-Zor from ISIS on September 9. So far the forces have liberated northern areas of the city and several strategic areas around it.

The Civil Council of Deir ez-Zor was declared on September 24 after a congress attended by local leaders and representatives of the communities in the region.