ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Following reports of heavy ground fighting between Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and ISIS in Hajin, the coalition is announcing it will speed up operations in Deir ez-Zor governorate.
"Productive stop in Baghdad earlier today to discuss coalition support to Iraqi forces in suppressing ISIS sleeper cells and protecting Iraqi borders, as we prepare to accelerate operations in east Syria," tweeted Brett McGurk, the US Special Presidential Envoy to the anti-ISIS coalition.
Productive stop in #Baghdad earlier today to discuss @coalition support to Iraqi forces in suppressing #ISIS sleeper cells and protecting Iraqi borders, as we prepare to accelerate operations in east #Syria. pic.twitter.com/oeR8LAizSE
— Brett McGurk (@brett_mcgurk) November 10, 2018
McGurk met separately on Saturday in Baghdad with new Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and President Barham Salih.
The announcement comes as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Sunday that coalition bombardments have increased since October 28 following an ISIS counterattack that seized 20 US-made Hummers.
"France is supporting the Syrian Democratic Forces with close air support missions," tweeted the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve on Saturday.
France is supporting the Syrian democratic forces with close air support missions. #DefeatISIS #Chammal pic.twitter.com/MRJPEoti8s
— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) November 10, 2018
The Observatory indicated that coalition warplanes were able to target the ISIS-seized Hummers using "modern techniques." It added that ISIS loses through Friday included at least 41 loyalists including women and children.
"Yesterday, the Coalition successfully struck & destroyed an ISIS observation post and staging area in Hajin, void of civilians at the time and tracking with surveillance assets. ISIS was first to report alleged civilian casualties, yet outlets picked up this story anyway," tweeted coalition spokesperson US Army Col. Sean Ryan on Saturday.
Yesterday, the Coalition successfully struck & destroyed an ISIS observation post & staging area in Hajin, void of civilians at the time & tracking with surveillance assets. ISIS was first to report alleged civilian casualties, yet outlets picked up this story anyway.
— OIR Spokesman (@OIRSpox) November 10, 2018
The SDF have reportedly suffered many casualties recently as ISIS stepped up attacks, taking advantage of bad weather.
SDF suspended operations against ISIS in the Hajin area of the Euphrates River valley on October 31 after Turkey carried out attacks against Kurdish positions in the Kobane region of Rojava, northern Syria. The SDF announced on Sunday operations are now resuming.
The SDF is primarily composed of the mostly Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG).
Heavy coalition bombardments were used in the final stages of the battles to reclaim Mosul and Raqqa.
Prior to the most recent phase of Operation Roundup in Hajin, the coalition dropped leaflets instructing people to flee via safe routes.
Hajin in Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zor governorate lies near the Iraqi border. Iraq's Ministry of Defence said their side of the border is secure with forces and defensive measures employed from the Euphrates river crossing in al-Qaim north to Mosul.
At times the Iraqi Air Force and Iraqi Security Forces have conducted cross-border operations targeting ISIS and supporting SDF efforts.
Updated: 9:49 p.m.
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