On January 20th, the SDF Public Relations Office in the Euphrates region held a meeting with some local notables and sheiks of al-Karama town, east of Raqqa, to discuss Operation Retaliation for Raqqa Martyrs launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Internal Security Forces against ISIS cells in the region.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hassan Al-Barayach, Abbadi Al-Fajr, and Muhammad Nour.

Adham Muhammad, a member of the SDF Public Relations Office, started the meeting by explaining the Operation objectives, saying: “The terrorist organization of ISIS does not differentiate between civilians or military personnel at all, so we launched this operation to clear our regions from ISIS terrorist cells and impose security and safety.”

Sheikh Muhammad Nour said: “Firstly, security and safety are essential for everyone, and we all support the Operation launched by the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Internal Security Forces against the remnants of ISIS cells which threaten the safety of our people.”

Nour added that ISIS and its supporters are trying to stir up strife in the region, and the recent events are clear examples of that.”

“We, the notables and sheiks of the Raqqa clans, understand those recent events were fabricated for political goals and purposes to strike social cohesion, civil peace and destabilize the community,” he added.

“The terrorists arrested recently show that the terrorist organization of ISIS is still active, trying to strike once again the safety and stability of Raqqa city.”