In the Deir ez-Zor area, the offensive of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against cell structures of the jihadist militia ISIS continues for the third day in a row. An "ISIS Emir" suspected of being the financial officer of the ISIS cells in the Syrian-Iraqi border area was arrested in the town of Al-Shheell. This brings the number of terror suspects arrested since the start of the second stage of the major operation last Friday to 28.

Several thousand fighters from the various SDF components are participating in the offensive, including YPG/YPJ members, members of the Military Council of Deir ez-Zor and the security forces Asayish. According to SDF Commander Sason Tolhildan, the operation is currently focused on areas bordering the Syrian regime areas. Recently, several searches have taken place in Al-Busayrah, Diban and Al-Shheell.

The so-called ISIS, despite the break-up of its territorial rule, has been growing stronger and stronger since the Turkish invasion of northern and eastern Syria that began last October. The ISIS is also using the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic to reposition itself. Jihadists who had managed to flee to the desert in the Syrian-Iraqi border region during the liberation offensive "Cizîrê Storm" were able to reorganize themselves largely unhindered. Since then, attacks by ISIS cells have become increasingly frequent in the region.

In Iraq, places in Salahaddin, Diyala, Ninawa and Kirkuk are particularly affected by ISIS attacks. In Syria, attacks are increasing, especially in Deir ez-Zor. Against this background, the civilian population of eastern Syria had called on the SDF to take effective action against ISIS cells in the region. Religious leaders and tribal representatives also appealed to the SDF to expand the fight against terror.