Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have launched a new operation against the Islamic State (ISIS) and already raided dozens of potential ISIS points and hideouts in Raqqa and other cities, the group announced on Wednesday.
Operation Retaliation for Raqqa Martyrs is led by the local Internal Security Forces, with air support from the US-led Global Coalition against ISIS. The aims are to uncover ISIS cells and dangerous operatives, to uproot potential hideouts, and cut off facilitators and recruitment networks.
A total of 11 people have lost their lives in 16 ISIS attacks in SDF-controlled areas in December, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said in a report.
“Recent operations conducted by the Joint Operations Forces in al-Jazeera and Raqqa come in the context of achieving the best local and global security and societal benefits of the victory against ISIS in al-Baghouz,” said SDF.
Experts say that Turkey’s recent attacks gave a massive boost to terrorist organisations in the region, adding that ISIS could become more prominent once again and risk global security.