SULAIMANI (ESTA) — U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said its anti-terrorism operation killed five Islamic State (ISIS) fighters in a raid in Deir Ezzor province.
The SDF launched a joint operation with the U.S.-led Coalition forces near Busayrah village in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor province, the group said on Monday.
The operation targeted a “dangerous ISIS cell” based on intelligence and reconnaissance of their presence in the area, the SDF said in a statement, according to AP.
The raiding forces opened fire on the militants after they began shooting at the force, the statement read. Five suspected ISIS fighters were killed in the clashes.
The operation came after attacks against the local administration and security forces.
Meanwhile, Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the operation was conducted with aerial support from the Coalition forces.
It targeted a wanted ISIS member who fled as the SDF arrived and was shot dead while fleeing on his motorcycle, AP reported.
ISIS has been active in the desert area of east and central Syria since losing control of territory in Syria in 2019 following a military campaign by Kurdish forces in collaboration with the Coalition forces.
