Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday the elimination of an Islamic State (ISIS) leader in recent operations in Syria’s northeast Deir ez-Zor (Dêrezor) city.
The SDF, supported by international coalition forces, conducted successful operations against ISIS cells in Deir ez-Zor on 16 and 17 May, eliminating a leader of the extremist group and capturing two of its members.
On 16 May, SDF counter-terrorism units (YAT) targeted Amjad Hassan (also known as Abu Zainab), an ISIS cell leader in Al-Busaira, Deir ez-Zor. Amjad was reportedly responsible for a recent attack on an SDF post in al-Shuhail, resulting in the deaths of four SDF fighters. Despite calls for his surrender, Amjad opened fire and was subsequently eliminated.
On 17 May, YAT units conducted a second operation in the al-Dashisha desert, targeting an active ISIS cell facilitating movements of ISIS operatives between Syria and Iraq. This operation led to the capture of two ISIS operatives and the destruction of their hideout, along with the seizure of weapons and communication devices.
Confiscated items included an AK-47, a pistol with two magazines, hand grenades, night vision and sniper binoculars, a Wi-Fi router, five mobile phones, and various ammunition and explosive materials.
The SDF reaffirmed a commitment to eliminating ISIS cells in north and eastern Syria to ensure regional security and stability.
This operation was carried out alongside the recent release of a statement by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria’s External Relations Office (AANES) that called for international support to prevent an ISIS resurgence. Khalid Ibrahim, a member of the administration’s foreign relations department, argued that the burden of managing the thousands of ISIS prisoners and their families in the Al-Hol and Roj camps must not fall solely on the AANES.