Story by Staff Sgt. Brandon Ames
Partnering with Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (SOJTF-OIR) beginning in 2014, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have proven to be a capable and reliable partner in northeast Syria. They were instrumental in defeating Daesh and liberating millions of Syrians from brutal terrorist rule, and their most noteworthy campaign was the battle of Baghouz, which resulted in the defeat of Daesh’s territorial caliphate on March 23, 2019.
Through the month of June, the SDF, advised by SOJTF-OIR, exemplified their strength by completing their largest mission against Daesh remnants in northeast Syria since the memorable Battle of Baghouz.
The SDF-led mission resulted in the successful detention of 69 Daesh members, at least 20 new bio-enrollments and multiple weapons and ammunitions caches recovered across an area of 3700 square kilometers.
“The SDF successfully planned and executed this operation against Daesh with very little assistance from the coalition”, said Brig. Gen. Guillaume Beaurpere, SOJTF-OIR Commanding General. “Not only did they demonstrate an ability to synchronize effects over a large swath of northeast Syria, their operation further degraded the limited capabilities of Daesh remnants in the region.”
Members of Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) lead a Coalition convoy in Deir ez-Zor province, Syria, Nov. 19, 2018. Coalition forces face the threat of ISIS-set improvised explosive devices daily, but the SDF continue to safeguard and protect Coalition forces on all military convoys in the region. Continued assistance to partner forces is essential to setting conditions for regional stability. The Coalition and its partners remain united and resolved to prevent the resurgence of ISIS and its violent extremist ideology. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew Crane)
Strength of partnership was further displayed as the SDF coordinated with the Iraqi Security Forces on the Iraqi side of the border, working to close border seams with intelligence sharing and operations synchronization.
The SDF continues to maintain control of thousands of foreign terrorist fighters who would otherwise try to return to their home countries and plot attacks on innocent civilians. SOJTF-OIR continues to advise and assist the SDF towards their ultimate goal in bringing security and stabilization to the region.
“The SDF disruption and detention of Daesh during this operation reinforced the message to the population of northeast Syria that the SDF, with precision Coalition support, is committed to security and stability in the region,” said Beaurpere.