Click to see full-size image. Source: sdf-press.com
On December 22, the United States-led coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) shared footage from some of their recent counter-terrorism operations in Syria’s northern and eastern regions.
The Coordination and Military Operation Center of the SDF said that seven joint counter-terrorism operations were carried out in the governorates of al-Hasakah and Deir Ezzor in the last two weeks. According to the center, nine members of ISIS, including two Emirs [commanders], were captured during these operations.
From its side, the coalition’s Combined Special Ops Joint Task Force-Levant said that the joint operations were carried out to promote security and stability in northern and eastern Syria.
“Joint efforts are continuously made to attack terrorist cells while safeguarding civilians and fostering stability in the region,” the coalition said on Twitter.
Early on in December, the SDF paused all joint operations with the U.S.-led coalition to protest repeated Turkish strikes and threats of a new ground invasion of its territory. The pause came to an end soon after.
The U.S.-led coalition is currently working to expand its presence in northern and eastern Syria in what appears to be an attempt to deter Ankara. The coalition has already deployed additional heavy weapons in the region, and is reportedly preparing to open a new base in the governorate of Raqqa.
Washington appears to be using the war on ISIS remnants as an excuse to prolong its military presence in northern and eastern Syria.
