The operations of the YPG, YPJ and SDF against sleeper cells of the so-called Islamic State in northern Syria continue. During the past two days, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have excavated several cells of the ISIS while uncovering numerous weapons depots and tunnel systems of the organization. ANF talked to YPJ Commander Ronahi Halep about the ongoing operations against ISIS.

"In Baghouz we have sealed the end of ISIS in Rojava"

The YPJ commander commented on the military victory over the ISIS in Baghouz and the ongoing operations against sleeper cells of the organization as follows:

"The liberation operation of Deir ez-Zor against the ISIS was very challenging for us, but also of great importance. There are many ISIS members in the region who have fought against our people in Rojava. ISIS has waged a very dirty war against us. In addition, it has controlled a wide area in the region of Baghouz and deposited numerous weapons. They have, so to speak, created a good infrastructure here in recent years. They had established their existence in Syria in Baghouz. We sealed the end of ISIS in Rojava at this very place.

But we cannot say that the campaign has come to an end. The mentality of the organization continues to prevail here in a hidden form. We get to see how the members of the organization hide and mingle with the civilian population. Some of them shave off their beards, cut their hair and continue working to get the organization back on track among the population. They want to reorganize themselves against the YPG, YPJ and SDF. But they will not succeed. Their spine has been broken in Baghouz. Our forces have achieved their goal there and the population has received this victory and their liberation from the ISIS with great joy.

"Our fight will continue"

But it is also true that around one third of the population worked here with ISIS. This was mostly not a voluntary collaboration. Because the ISIS used atrocities and violence to urge the population to become like them. When the forces of the SDF, YPG and YPJ reached Baghouz, people breathed.

But our fight against the cells of the ISIS continues. No matter how they try to hide, our fight against this organization will continue. On May 15, starting at 4:30 am local time, we started a new operation against these cells and it continues resolutely. In houses and in fields we have been able to capture ammunition, terrorists and sleeper cells and this will continue. We and all our forces are always ready for our people for these operations.”

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