The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) conducted joint military manoeuvres at Syria’s tri-border area with Iraq and Turkey, the SDF announced on Wednesday.
Manoeuvres at a border village in al Hasakah’s Derik district used live ammunition with heavy weapons, and included reconnaissance and training against sleeper cells.
The exercises were a first in Derik, but SDF and Coalition forces have collaborated in 2 previous operations in Deir ez-Zor, according to the SDF.
“We’re very excited to come out here and do this for the first time, but it won’t be the last,” a coalition commander said.
Wednesday also saw the US Central Command announce the arrest of “dozens of ISIS operatives” in a special operation against ISIS sleeper cells in al Hol displaced persons camp, and the dissolution of a major facilitation network for the jihadist group in a statement.
On Monday SDF discovered and rescued four women who were chained up and tortured by ISIS supporters.
In an earlier press conference SDF had announced the discovery of 16 ISIS tunnels and trenches connected to the camp, and confiscated equipment used to dig them out.
“The SDF will continue its efforts to eliminate the ISIS threat, but it remains critical that the international community support this effort through repatriation,” CENTCOM Communications Director Colonel Joe Buccino said.
Two SDF fighters succumbed to their wounds and died after Wednesday’s clashes with an ISIS cell made up of two women and five men disguised as women as they attempted to flee al Hol camp. One of the men was killed, while the remaining six ISIS members were taken into SDF custody, the group announced.
