Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched Operation Wrath of Khabur (Hêrsa Xabûrê) targeting the town of Shaddadi; an strategically important ISIS stronghold. SDF Commander Simko Çelê answered ANF's questions on the operation:

This initiative is the third operation you’ve launched, after the operations of Hawl and Tishrin. What does the Shaddadi operation mean to you?

As you stated, this is the third operation for the defense of Hesekê which will cripple ISIS in Cizîr canton and Hesekê, and bring closer its end. Cizîr canton will be relieved and explosions in Hesekê will be prevented after this operation. We started the operation last night, and advanced 20-30 km since then. Our comrades continue their advance right now.

'PEOPLE AND DIFFERENT FORCES JOINED US WITH ENTHUSIASM'

SDF was recently established and gained significant victories in a short period of time. What is the source of this SDF strength?

SDF has an international character; democratic individuals from different peoples come together under our roof. Our opponents tried to cast doubt over us through their anti-propaganda during our establishment, but our practice on the ground defeated their efforts. Our ranks swelled as the public’s trust in us increased. SDF is the only force truly protecting human beings, and people joined when they realized this. SDF is a major force now and is greeted with joy and morale every time it liberates a village.

Arab people are in majority in this region and you started this operation upon their request. To what degree do the civilians aid you?

Of course, civilians aid us a lot and we started this operation upon their request. ISIS has brutalized people here; they kidnapped children and massacred people. Civilians greet us with joy and ululations, and help us a lot. They offer food and tea to SDF fighters, and show the areas that have mines so that our fighters can remove them.

'ISIS WILL BE SURROUNDED'

You recently took control of a road between Raqqa and Cizîr canton, how important is this? Will it affect ISIS?

With this operation, we will cut the connection between Raqqa and the Deyr-ez Zor route. This will isolate Raqqa from Cizîr canton and close the roads between Raqqa, Deyr-ez Zor and Mosul. Thus, Cizîr canton will be safe and the area between Hol and Tishrin will be secured.

How will these developments affect Raqqa?

With these developments, Raqqa will be surrounded. They have already lost control of routes near Kobanê, and we will complete the siege of Raqqa. ISIS will be isolated from Cizîr and Kobanê cantons, and will begin to fall apart. This operation will bring us closer to the end of ISIS.