Lilwa Abdullah, Official Spokesperson for the Jazira (Cizire) Storm Campaign, spoke to ANHA about the developments in the operations led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) against DAESH (ISIS) mercenaries in Deir ez-Zor.

According to Abdullah, victory of the Syrian Democratic Forces against the extremists in eastern Syria is imminent. However, the operation forces continue to be cautious to avoid civilian casualties in clashes. In eastern Syria, there are still thousands of civilians under the rule of terrorist militia. The Islamists are abusing the civilian population as human shields.

Abdullah pointed out that the military campaign launched by the SDF against ISIS to the east of the Euphrates till the Iraqi border, is close to end.

In Bagouz and al-Marashda, the last two towns that were completely under ISIS control until recently, fighting between the SDF and the jihadists continues, said Abdullah and continued; "The Islamists use local civilians as shields in an attempt to prolong their existence. Our forces open corridors to free the civilians fleeing from ISIS and transfer them to safe areas."

Recalling that the SDF campaign launched on 10 September 2018 had been suspended several times because of Turkish threats against Northern Syria, Lilwa Abdullah said that these threats were aimed at strengthening the ISIS and preventing its annihilation in Syria.

Asked in which areas of Syria the terrorist militia is still present, the SDF spokeswoman said: "We cannot name a specific point. In northern Syria the ISIS has not yet been defeated. Sleeper cells are active, constantly laying mines in the region. SDF expert teams are working hard to clear the affected areas of booby traps. The liberated civilians will remain in safe areas until the security and stability of the region is restored.”