The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched "Operation Security Reinforcement" against ISIS cells in Deir ez-Zor region late on Sunday night. The offensive launched by the SDF 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.

As the operation continues, the Democratic Civil Assembly of Raqqa released a statement calling for support for the offensive, the primary goals of which are to eradicate ISIS terrorist cells, thwart their potential attacks, and pursue criminals responsible for perpetrating injustices against the local population, as well as to track down smugglers who exploit the populace’s livelihoods.

The Assembly called on all peoples to “unite around the Syrian Democratic Forces that fulfil their moral and political duty of defence”, and to “support the efforts to reinforce the security and stability of the region”.

The statement pointed out that: “As the Democratic Civil Assembly of Raqqa, we support all the efforts made to reinforce the security and stability of the region. At the same time, we reiterate our promise to continue serving our administration and our democratic project.”