The Military Council of Deir ez-Zor has warned of a growing threat from the terrorist militia ISIS and other armed groups. Since the beginning of the year, there have been at least 150 attacks on security forces and civilian facilities in the region, commander Abdulkarim Awad Fandi al-Awad told the ANHA news agency. According to him, the targets included military outposts, checkpoints, and public infrastructure. Last month alone, there were more than ten targeted attacks in which six local security forces were killed.
ISIS changes tactics after phase of reorganization
Al-Awad emphasized that ISIS is exploiting the political instability following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government to regroup. “The terrorists are attacking not only the military and police, but also civilians and public institutions. Behind this is an attempt to regain control of the region and destabilize the population.” The rural areas surrounding Deir ez-Zor are particularly affected. The vast areas on both sides of the Euphrates River, with fields and desert areas, offer the extremists places of retreat. ISIS cells can move and operate there undetected.
Counteroffensive with YPJ participation
An attack about a week ago showed how targeted the groups were: An ISIS unit raided a pharmacy in the village of Garanij where fighters from the Deir ez-Zor Military Council were staying. The four-member group was abducted. The day after the attack, the Military Council launched a large-scale operation in Garanij together with the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ). The abducted fighters were freed and twelve suspects with alleged links to ISIS were arrested.
The operation continued into the early hours of August 16. According to Commander al-Awad, extensive weapons and evidence of further cells were seized. The investigation is ongoing.
The Military Council emphasized that the operations to secure the region would be carried out not only militarily, but also with the support of local tribes and the population. “Our goal is to protect the civilian population and prevent ISIS from reestablishing itself permanently in the region,” al-Awad said.
Source: ANF News
