SDF, Int’l Coalition Launch Anti-ISIS Campaign in Eastern Syria

 A resident of the city of Raqqa, northern Syria. (AFP)
A resident of the city of Raqqa, northern Syria. (AFP)
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SDF, Int’l Coalition Launch Anti-ISIS Campaign in Eastern Syria

 A resident of the city of Raqqa, northern Syria. (AFP)
A resident of the city of Raqqa, northern Syria. (AFP)

The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the international coalition forces, stormed Friday al-Zarr village in Dier Ezzor countryside as helicopters searched for ISIS cells, a war monitor reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said clashes erupted between the SDF and suspects as some of them escaped to al-Kassar area in northern Deir Ezzor.

Thirteen people were arrested during the operation, nine of whom were released after investigation.

On Tuesday, SOHR activists reported that the SDF, backed by the international coalition forces, carried out a similar operation in al-Baidar village in al-Karamah district in eastern al-Raqqah countryside.

Two ISIS leaders were arrested. Later, clashes erupted between the raiding force and the wanted men, leaving an ISIS member and his son dead, and another son injured.

This coincided with ISIS retaliatory attacks following the Operation Humanity and Security, which was launched by Asayish in the overcrowded refugee camp on August 25, in light of the increase in acts of murder and violence.

The camp, located 45 km east of al-Hasakah city in northeastern Syria, is considered one of the largest refugee camps in Syria. It houses about 56,000 people, most of whom are displaced Syrians and Iraqi refugees.

It also includes a special section for ISIS families, housing 10,000 people from 54 Western and Arab countries.

According to SOHR, ISIS carried out 16 retaliatory attacks, leaving 17 people dead, including two civilians, a child, and 14 members of the SDF and other military formations operating in areas run by the Autonomous Administration.



Syrian FM Says Will Visit European Countries in Coming Period

Italy's Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani (C) meets with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani (R) in Damascus, Syria, 10 January 2025. EPA/GIUSEPPE LAMI
Italy's Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani (C) meets with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani (R) in Damascus, Syria, 10 January 2025. EPA/GIUSEPPE LAMI
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Syrian FM Says Will Visit European Countries in Coming Period

Italy's Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani (C) meets with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani (R) in Damascus, Syria, 10 January 2025. EPA/GIUSEPPE LAMI
Italy's Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani (C) meets with Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani (R) in Damascus, Syria, 10 January 2025. EPA/GIUSEPPE LAMI

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani said on Friday that he will visit European countries in the coming period.

He spoke during a press conference with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani in Damascus.

Tajani said he was traveling to Syria on Friday to encourage the country's transition following the ouster of President Bashar Assad, and said Europe should review its sanctions on Damascus now that the political situation has changed.

“It’s an issue that should be discussed because Assad isn’t there anymore, it’s a new situation, and I think that the encouraging signals that are arriving should be further encouraged,” he said.