After ISIS captured many regions in Syria and Iraq boundaries, Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched a number of offensives against ISIS. SDF, through its offensives and through its defeat of ISIS in Baghouz (Baxoz) countryside in the east of Deir ez-Zor on 23 March 2019, ended the territorial existence of ISIS. However, the ISIS threat is still not over. There are ISIS cells in the region still and thousands of ISIS gangs continue existing in Hol Camp.

OPERATION AGAINST ISIS CELLS

Internal Security Forces and SDF continue with the operations to eliminate these cells and they launched multiple offensives which still continue. Internal Security Forces launched the ‘Humanitarian and Security’ operation against ISIS cells in Hol Camp on March 28th. First stage of this operation ended on April 2nd. Within this stage, 125 members of ISIS cells were arrested and a large amount of ammunition, military equipment and explosive devices were seized. Also, several tunnels of ISIS were discovered.

A BROADER OPERATION

On the other hand, SDF launched a broader military and security operation together with the International Coalition against ISIS on May 9th. This operation was held in El Ecîc hill located in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor and it was possible to last for 4 days. The four-day operation was carried out in the al-Ajij Valley, northern countryside of Deir ez-Zor.

Elî El-Seed, member of National Coordination Council-Movement for Democratic Change spoke to ANHA on the latest developments in the region.

INTERNAL SECURITY FORCES EXPELLED ISIS FROM THE REGION

El-Seed noted that ISIS finished off militarily and said, “Yet, ISIS is still alive. Therefore, the threat on the region still remains and the Turkish state intends to revive ISIS.” Remarking that ISIS is the most dangerous of the terrorist groups in the world and continued, “Doubtlessly, ISIS constitutes a great danger for the region because they raped our women and beheaded our children and our people. 11 thousand people in North and East Syria fell as martyrs for the sake of saving the region from their brutal atrocities. Finally, ISIS was expelled from Til Hemis, Hol, Deir ez-Zor and lastly Raqqa and Baghouz.

ALL COUNTRIES SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HOL CAMP

El-Seed called on world countries to take their citizens back and stressed that all countries share responsibility for the Hol Camp, adding, “Some countries ignored the Autonomous Administration’s call for them to “take your citizens back”. Some countries have only taken children back but women in the camp live under great threat, too. Therefore, the countries should immediately take back women and children.”

‘HOL IS A BOMB READY TO EXPLODE’

Defining Hol Camp as a “bomb ready to explode”, El-Seed continued, “Despite limited means, the Autonomous Administration created many opportunities for the people in the camps at the costs of blood and labour of the citizens living in the region. Because, limited and deficient sources provided by great countries are not adequate to re-educate children of ISIS members and keep up the families of mercenaries.”

El-Seed stated that responsibility for the families of mercenaries in the camp doesn’t belong to the Autonomous Administration alone, and the international community and the European Union also have responsibility in this regard. He pointed out that the Autonomous Administration has shouldered responsibility because of the fact that it bases on humanitarian and ethical values.

‘THEY MUST BE RE-EDUCATED’

El-Seed recalled that the Autonomous Administration and peoples of North and East Syria paid a price to liberate their lands from mercenaries. Referring to the demand for the call for the establishment of an international court in North and East Syria to judge ISIS gangs, he said this was a rightful demand.

Defining the Hol Camp as “mine residue”, El-Seed the terrorists kept here must be re-educated to eliminate the danger in the region.

'SOLUTION REQUIRES RECOGNITION OF THE AUTONOMOUS ADMINISTRATION’

Condemning the silence of the Damascus government, El-Seed said, “Damascus government left the entire responsibility of this to the Autonomous Administration, thinking that it will not succeed. Yet, it forgets that the Autonomous Administration stands for a democratic Syria, represents all peoples in North and East Syria, and has a project and experience for the solution of the crisis in the region.”

Remarking that Damascus government is not ready to officially recognise the Autonomous Administration, El-Seed added, “Damascus thinks that the crisis can only be solved through military ways. However, the crisis in Syria can be resolved through dialog, political solution and recognition of the Autonomous Administration. It is nothing more than a dream to believe in a military solution.”