SDF captures 127 wanted ISIS terrorists

SDF captures 127 wanted ISIS terrorists
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The joint operation against the ISIS cells in Raqqa has been completed, resulting in “immediate and effective” outcomes against the terrorist organization’s plans and movements in the region

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the International Security Forces of Syria have captured 127 Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists within the scope of the “Operation Retaliation For Raqqa Martyrs”.

The large-scale security operation enabled by the International Coalition airpower that was held between Jan.25 and Feb.1, was resulted in “immediate and effective” outcomes against the ISIS plans and movements in the region, SDF announced on Thursday.

During the operation, dozens of potential points and hideouts in Raqqa and its countryside (Al-Karama), Tabqa and its countryside, and Sarren and its countryside were targeted, it said.

The US-backed forces on Jan.25 has launched the operation in the Islamic group’s former stronghold of Raqqa in retaliation to a deadly ISIS attack on the center of the Internal Security Forces and a prison holding ISIS detainees in the al-Dariyah neighborhood in Raqqa on Dec.26, killing at least six fighters of the Kurdish force and injuring many others.

The forces have arrested 127 wanted terrorists and suspects during the sweep and raid operations, including Atallah Al-Methan, the Wali (governor) of the so-called Wilayah al-Raqqa, who was appointed by ISIS to manage the affairs of the so-called Wilayah al-Raqqa, SDF said.

Four terrorist cells involved in planning and providing logistical support, preparing the explosives, and hiding and smuggling the injured terrorists who attacked the center of the Internal Security Forces were also dismantled, it said.

“Many weapons, ammunition, and booklets on ISIS extremist ideology were also seized, in addition to uncovering old tunnels used by ISIS terrorists when they were controlling Raqqa city,” SDF said.

The joint forces also “dismantled the terrorist cells and their operatives, destroying channels of communication between them, uprooting their potential hideouts, and drying up the enabling environment, primarily the facilitators and recruitment networks,” it said.

The SDF took over Raqqa from ISIS in October 2017 with the support of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, however, ISIS insurgent cells remain active in the city.