SDF arrests high-ranking ISIS financial mastermind in Syria’s Raqqa

Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the detention of a suspected high-ranking ISIS member in Raqqa, SDF said on Friday through an official statement. The arrest happened on Thursday according to SDF.

In a coordinated operation, the Kurdish counter-terrorism forces nabbed Abdulghafour Taber al-Diab, also known as Abu Amir, who is believed to have held a pivotal role as the financial manager of ISIS. Al-Diab was reportedly responsible for the financing of various ISIS terrorist cells operating in the region, and also facilitated the supply of weapons for their nefarious activities.

This decisive operation was conducted by the SDF’s Anti-Terrorism Units (YAT), who stormed a building in Raqqa where the suspect was based. The forces managed to seize an array of weapons and military equipment during the raid, which is expected to cripple the operations of several terrorist cells in the region.

The Sulaimani-based Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG) played a significant role in the success of the mission, partnering actively in the ground operation. Moreover, the operation was further bolstered by the aerial support provided by the US-led global coalition against ISIS, highlighting a unified front against terrorism in Syria. The CTG has previously coordinated with the SDF in various other anti-terrorism operations, and is informally connected to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

In a parallel development, the SDF also brought to close the Operation Security Reinforcement, which commenced on August 27 in the Deir ez-Zor region, initially targeting ISIS activities. However, the operation took a turn, focusing on Arab tribes who had aligned with the Syrian regime, opposing the Kurdish administration, especially after the detention of a commander affiliated with the SDF.

The altered focus of the operation led to an escalation in conflicts, culminating in several casualties and arrests. As per the reports, the clashes resulted in the tragic loss of nine civilians, 25 SDF fighters, and 23 members of groups resisting the SDF. The SDF’s official statement also confirmed the arrest of four individuals linked to the regime, two ISIS members, and fifteen people from the rebellious tribes. Furthermore, the forces confiscated substantial amounts of weapons, ammunition, and explosives during this operation.

In light of the recent events, Mazloum Abdi, the general commander of the SDF, revealed plans to announce an amnesty for those involved in the recent skirmishes in Deir ez-Zor. However, the amnesty excludes individuals who have affiliations with the Syrian regime, maintaining a firm stance against those cooperating with the established governmental powers.