Fîras Çekjin, a commander in the operation launched against ISIS mercenaries in Raqqa, told ANHA: "The targeting of SDF points and Internal Security Forces Headquarters in Raqqa a month ago resulted in the invading Turkish state's incessant attacks against Northern and Eastern Syria. We have proved that there is a clear coordination between the ISIS mercenaries and the invading Turkish state."

Commander Çekjîn noted that ISIS was reorganizing and trying to attack the region using different tactics. "We realized this danger threatening our people, and accordingly, we launched security operations against ISIS cells in the region with the cooperation of the Internal Security Forces."

The commander added: “Our forces captured many mercenaries, and seized weapons, ammunition and devices prepared by ISIS to use against our forces and our people.”

Commander Çekjîn said that the cooperation between the security forces and the people of the region is good.

Commander Çekjîn said: “Turkey and ISIS are trying to strike a blow to the stability of the region. But with the spirit of the Kobanê resistance that defeated the Islamic State in Syria, we will neutralize these new attempts to regain power.”

The SDF and the Internal Security Forces launched Operation Retaliation for Raqqa Martyrs last Wednesday.