Clash erupts during security operation in Hesekê

The Internal Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continue their operation in Sinaa prison and the surrounding residential areas in Hesekê. In the morning, aircraft of the international coalition were again in the airspace over the city. The prison complex and the surrounding area have been searched by the security forces and the anti-terrorist unit of the SDF for three days, with the population providing support.

A skirmish between internal security forces and entrenched Islamists erupted in the Xiwêran neighborhood on Saturday. According to security sources, five ISIS members were tracked down, one of whom was killed in the fighting. The fighting continues. The SDF are also conducting parallel operations against ISIS cells in Deir ez-Zor.

Meanwhile, thousands of people from the contested areas continue to hold out in temporary shelters. The municipality of Hesekê has provided schools for them, and families have also found refuge in mosques. They are being cared for by the Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurd) and volunteers from the neighbourhood until a safe return to their homes is possible. However, many buildings have been damaged in the fighting and especially by air strikes.