The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched "Operation Security Reinforcement" against ISIS cells in Deir ez-Zor region late on 27 August night. The offensive launched in cooperation with the international anti-ISIS coalition aims to track down and root out terror cells in order to stop potential attacks. The background is an increase in ISIS attacks against the civilian population, security personnel and local government employees. The operation is also directed against organised crime and smuggling networks. The area of operation includes areas east of the Euphrates, but primarily the Deir ez-Zor region in eastern Syria.

In a statement providing information about the campaign, the SDF Media Center said that the forces participating in Operation Security Reinforcement targeted last night the movements of mercenaries and criminal elements who infiltrated into the areas of Jadid Bakara and Jadid Ukaydat coming from the western bank of the Euphrates River, which is under the control of the regime forces. On Thursday morning, the forces also clashed with the mercenaries in the villages of Al-Shuhail and Dhiban. The operation is heading to be firmer after the mercenaries intimidated the local populace, destroyed and looted the civic services.

The statement said: “The security forces successfully concluded the search operation in Al-Dahla village and various segments of Al-Basira town earlier this morning, during which three mercenaries affiliated with ‘Nawaf Al-Bashir’ were neutralized subsequent to their infiltration into the region. The ongoing search operation remains dedicated to tracking down mercenary groups that deliberately orchestrate attacks within civilian areas and exploit private residences as concealment sites to obstruct the progress of the security campaign and delay the timely resolution.”

“The ‘Security Reinforcement’ task force operating in Deir ez-Zor reaffirms its unwavering commitment to purging the region of mercenary groups and ISIS terrorist cells until the operational objectives are fully realized. It is imperative to underscore that the forces are resolute in their determination to target these mercenaries, leaving no room for their illicit activities or any potential harm inflicted upon civilian populations. The forces unequivocally declare that clemency shall not be extended to mercenaries endeavoring to undermine the prevailing security and stability, and they shall employ lawful military means to eradicate such threats”, said the SDF Media Center.

The statement added: “Simultaneously, within the region of Manbij, groups of Turkish-backed mercenaries attacked the village of Al-Muhsinli. In response, the Manbij Military Council decisively countered this terrorist aggression. The situation was ultimately stabilized following intense clashes, resulting in the elimination of several mercenaries.”