The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) arrested thirteen people in Deir ez-Zor during the "Security Reinforcement" operation. Among them are five suspected members or supporters of the Islamic State, the SDF press spokesman, Ferhad Shami, told Ronahî TV on Monday night.

The other eight arrested are suspected of being drug dealers. In addition, three armed men were killed trying to attack security personnel involved in the operation. So far, there are no clues as to the identity of the unknown attackers, said Shami. However, initial findings pointed to ISIS members.

Operation “Security Reinforcement” was launched on three fronts simultaneously on Sunday evening to counter the increase in attacks by ISIS on the civilian population and security personnel in the autonomous region of Northern and Eastern Syria (AANES). The operation, which is being carried out in cooperation with the international anti-ISIS coalition, focuses on areas east of the Euphrates with a focus on Deir ez-Zor.

The main objective is to track down and dismantle terrorist cells in order to stop potential attacks. It is also about the pursuit and detection of criminal structures such as smuggling networks. According to Shami, the operation in the west of the region is almost complete. The offensive continues at high speed on the northern and eastern fronts from Baghouz to Raqqa.

Entry and exit ban in Hesekê lifted

An entry and exit ban imposed on parts of the canton of Hesekê in parallel with the civil protection operation was meanwhile lifted on Monday evening, the internal security authority Asayîş said. In addition to the cantonal capital of Hesekê, the measure also affected Hol and Shedade. Both cities are considered hubs for jihadists and frequent targets of attack.