SDF Press Center Director Mustafa Bali said the SDF has formed special rescue units in an all-out effort to ensure security for civilians in the operation to liberate Deir Ez Zor and added that the operation is advancing slowly partly because of that.

Bali spoke to ANHA on the matter and said, “The biggest issue in the operation is that ISIS uses the people as human shields,” and continued: “But despite that, many civilians have been rescued and placed in predetermined migrant camps as a result of the meticulous efforts of our units tasked with rescuing civilians and ensuring their safety.”

EXPERT UNITS CLEARING MINES

Bali pointed out that another issue they face during the operation is the landmines laid arbitrarily by the gangs: “Special expert units are working to clear these mines. Because it is a fundamental humanitarian duty for us to clear the mines so civilians are not harmed. The Deir Ez Zor civilian council is fulfilling their duty of receiving civilians as best they can.” Bali added that the Deir Ez Zor civilian council has set up temporary camps to place migrants in, exerting all their resources despite not receiving any aid.

Bali concluded with saying that there is top-level coordination between the SDF and international coalition forces so the operation can advance as planned.