CENTCOM commander visits North and East Syria as campaign against ISIS continues

HASAKAH, Syria / KIRKUK, Iraq – In a surprise visit on Friday, U.S. CENTCOM commander General Kenneth F. McKenzie met with commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) General Mazlum Abdi in North and East Syria.

Today we hosted @CENTCOM commander Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie & discussed issues of common interest, including the ongoing fight against the ISIS threat & a peace settlement in the region. We highly appreciate the continued US support for stability and the fight against terrorism.

— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) July 10, 2020

General McKenzie’s visit comes amid an ongoing campaign against the Islamic State (ISIS) and increasing regional tensions as rumors abound about a potential deal being struck between Turkey, Russia, and the Syrian regime about the fate of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

This week, SDF commandos in coordination with International Coalition Forces carried out an operation in Hasakah Province that resulted in the arrest of a member of the Islamic State (ISIS).

In related news, the International Coalition carried out a series air strikes targeting three caves being used as hideouts by ISIS cells in Tuz Khormatu, Kirkuk province. Subsequent investigation of the cave confirmed all three hideouts were destroyed, including one cave which contained a number of improvised explosive devices.

Iraqi Forces, with the support of the International Coalition, also carried out an operation that resulted in the death of ISIS member Abu Anas al-Obaidi in Al-Tarmiya district.