Operation Al-Jazeera Thunderbolt by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Internal Security Forces against ISIS cells in the areas around Hol, Til Hemis and Til Birak has been ongoing since 29 December. Arab tribal leaders in the region assessed the importance of the operation in an interview with ANF.

"THE OPERATION IS BENEFICIAL FOR THE REGION"

Hussein Muhammad Sultan, the Sheikh of the Ali tribe in the al-Jibur tribal confederation, stated: "We are against the clandestine cell organisation of ISIS in the region and the attacks of the Turkish state on the region. ISIS criminals hide among the civilian population. We oppose this. We, the people of Til Birak, are very happy with this operation because it makes our region more peaceful. The operation launched in the region is very beneficial for the whole region. We support this operation as a tribe. If we find that the mercenaries are infiltrating the population, we will personally hand them over to the security forces."

"WE STAND WITH THE SDF AGAINST ISIS AND TURKISH INVASION"

Referring to the Turkish attacks, Sultan continued: "We are against what the Turkish occupation forces are doing. While the SDF are fighting against ISIS, the Turkish invading forces are attacking the SDF to prevent them from doing so. The areas controlled by the SDF and the autonomous administration are the safest areas in Syria. Operations against ISIS are continuing steadily. The SDF are our children, we will resist the attacks on them. The SDF have liberated the whole of Syria. We are the SDF. The Turkish state calls them 'terrorists'. They are not. 80 per cent of the SDF are made up of people from Arab society. They are all children of this region. We will stand in one front with the SDF against both ISIS and the Turkish invasion." Mohammed Sultan concluded, "I appeal to everyone. Realise that Turkish troops are occupiers and invaders. Turkey wants to occupy the whole region. Let's stand together against this."

"THE PEOPLE OF THE REGION ARE SUPPORTING THE OPERATION WITH GREAT COMMITMENT"

The Sheikh of the Khatab tribe, Haj Ahmed Khalaf al-Huvedir, who is also part of the tribal confederation al-Jibur, points to the cooperation between ISIS and Turkey and said: "Currently, not only the Turkish state, but everyone is working against us. That is why such an operation against ISIS was necessary. The autonomous administration is successfully carrying out its work despite all the attacks and pressure. This operation against the secret ISIS cells makes the region safer. That is why the people in the region are supporting it with great commitment. We are following this development closely. The SDF will continue their operation for a safer common life."

"TURKISH STATE MOBILISES SLEEPER CELLS"

Sheikh Muhammad al-Hadir, also from the Khatab tribe, emphasised that the operation is taking place at the request of the people in the region. He referred to Operation Cizîrê Storm, which ended the territorial rule of ISIS in 2019, and stated: "Operation Cizîrê Storm was carried out at the request of the people of the region at that time. Because many people were killed (by ISIS). There were also such attacks in Raqqa. A sheikh of a tribe was murdered. We live peacefully with all the people in the region. When the Turkish invasion did not bring results, ISIS mobilised its sleeper cells. This time, the Turkish Office of Special Warfare came into play. It is active in the region through these cells. For us, this operation is of great benefit because the region is becoming more peaceful and secure. The cells are destabilising this region. We thank the Syrian Democratic Forces, who are cleansing our region of these criminals. We will help them in any way we can."