Syrian Democratic Forces Spokesperson Gabriel: Second phase Operation Deterring Terrorism yielding results

DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria — Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) spokesperson Kino Gabriel stated to Kurdish Region of Iraq news outlet Rudaw that the SDF was able to arrest dozens of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants, including a prominent leader, during the second phase of Operation Deterring Terrorism. In the joint operation with the U.S.-led International Coalition, the SDF seized large quantities of weapons and explosives.

“Our security campaign has achieved many successes, through which dozens of suspects were apprehended in the towns of Deir ez-Zor countryside,” Gabriel said.

The SDF Media Center revealed the outcome of the raids and sweeps over four days, stating that the SDF was able to arrest 31 suspected terrorists, including a senior official of ISIS.

The SDF seize a number of small and medium weapons, as well as 20 improvised explosive devices and equipment used in their manufacture. Ferries used for smuggling goods back and forth across the Euphrates River were also seized as was the contents of an old warehouse containing more than 1,000 mortar shells.

On 17 July, the SDF launched the second phase of Operation Deterring Terrorism, a security campaign targeting terrorist hideouts in the areas of Al-Basira, Al-Shahil, Al-Zer, Al-Zayban, and Al-Hawaij in the northern countryside of Der Ezzor.