SOUTHWEST ASIA – Coalition forces resumed large-scale operations against Islamic State with a clearance mission in Deir ez-Zor province, Syria Nov. 22.
The operation resulted in multiple ISIS fighters killed and wounded. Coalition forces accompanied hundreds of partnered forces commandos who cleared multiple compounds and captured more than a dozen fighters.
While recent tensions in northern Syria and re-positioning of Coalition troops to eastern Syria led to a brief pause in defeat-ISIS operations, this raid was part of the enduring partnership in the fight against ISIS. Terrorist sleeper cells remain a persistent threat in northeast Syria. Local security forces, with Coalition assistance, are continuing to conduct counter-terrorism operations.
“SOJTF-OIR remains committed to our relentless pursuit of Daesh,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Eric T. Hill, Special Operations Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve commander. “As long as Daesh presents a threat, we must stay vigilant to prevent it, for the sake of the region and our homelands.”
The operation was in response to increasing threats of Daesh attacks and followed days of joint planning and preparation. After clearing the terrorists’ compounds, a significant amount of small arms, homemade explosives and ammunition were removed.
SOJTF-OIR is the Special Operations arm of the Combined Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve.