Operation achieves results in Deir ez-Zor

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue to advance in the final phase of the Deir ez-Zor operation launched last week. 

SDF sources say fighters have advanced 2 km in the vicinity of Al-Souse village in Deir ez-Zor as part of the final phase of the Operation Cizire Storm. 

There were violent clashes with ISIS gangs in the Upper Baghouz village, 6 km to the Iraqi border, one day ago. There is no information on the outcome of the clashes. 

The final phase in the Operation Cizire Storm was launched on September 11, focusing on the Hajin town on the border with Iraq. This area to the east or the Euphrates River is dubbed the last stronghold of ISIS gangs. 

After the SDF launched the operation, dozens of civilians from the northern rural areas of Hajin have moved to the Iwa town. 

The most recent balance in the operation hasn’t been announced yet. According to the last statement on September 12, at least 41 gang members were killed in 2 days.

There were face to face clashes with ISIS gangs during the operation, and 10 military posts the gangs were positioned in have been liberated.

SDF officials say ISIS gangs keep all the heavy weapons and equipment they have in the Hajin town. Deir ez-Zor Military Council Commander General Ehmed Ebû Xewla said, “That is why it won’t be easy to clear the area, but our forces are prepared to end the terrorists.”

Xewla spoke to ANHA and said they estimate 3.000 ISIS members in the area: “ISIS gangs keep all the heavy weapons and equipment here, so there will be a very heavy battle.”