US-led coalition backs SDF in 20 operations against ISIS in one month in Syria

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Thursday that the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) had backed the Kurdish-led force in 20 operations against the extremist group in one month.

"Our SDF forces deeply appreciate the continued support of the International Coalition in strengthening security across Northern and Eastern Syria," the US-backed force said in a statement.

It added: "In just one month, the Coalition backed over 20 operations targeting ISIS cells, boosting field effectiveness and preventive efforts."

The Kurdish-led force detailed that their partnership with the US-led coalition forces "reflects our shared commitment to fight ISIS and ensure a safer, more stable future for all Syrians."

The SDF is the de facto military force of Rojava. The force has been the main ally of the US-led global coalition against ISIS on the ground in Syria over the past decade.

The Asayish and the Kurdish-led SDF carry out frequent operations against the jihadists.

ISIS was declared territorially defeated in Syria in 2019 but has continued to wage an insurgency. Throughout this year, the group has sought to exploit the instability that followed the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad in December. Deir ez-Zor has been a hotspot of ISIS activity.

Joint operations between the coalition and the SDF comes against the backdrop of Damasus becoming the 90th member of the anti-ISIS coalition. Syria’s accession to the coalition came after a landmark meeting between Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump on Monday, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader in 80 years.

Mazloum Abdi, leader of SDF commended the country’s accession to the coalition as a “pivotal step towards enhancing collaborative efforts and bolstering the initiatives aimed at achieving the enduring defeat of ISIS and eliminating its threat to the region."