UK-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that two ISIS members on a motorcycle attacked a military vehicle carrying the SDF members on the main road in the twon of Abriha east of Deir ez-Zor.
The members were transported to a hospital to receive treatment.
The attack comes at a time when Deir ez-Zor has seen a surge in violence. Earlier this month the pro-regime National Defense Forces launched an overnight attack on the SDF in the province. Fighting has continued since then. Many civilians, mostly children, have been killed in the attacks by the pro-regime forces.
The SDF said in a statement on Monday that its military council in Deir ez-Zor “conducted a large-scale retaliatory operation, targeting three positions of the regime and its mercenaries on the western bank of the Euphrates River.”
It added that 18 regime forces members and two mercenaries were killed in the attack. Several others were injured as well.
Pro-regime fighters frequently clash with the SDF in the strategic province. Following Wednesday’s attack, SDF-linked security forces in Deir ez-Zor announced a total curfew.
Control of Deir ez-Zor province, which borders Iraq, is now split between the SDF and the Iran-backed Syrian regime. It is also home to many of the country’s key oilfields, such as Omar and Conoco, which the global coalition helps the SDF to control.
While fighting over control of the province, the Kurdish-led force also thwarts ISIS hit-and-run attacks.
In late March, the SDF warned that ISIS still poses a threat to the world and the region as its defeat “requires dismantling its ideological breeding ground.”
“ISIS is still trying to recruit new terrorist elements, attempting to radicalize them into its ranks,” said the SDF, calling on the international community to “collaborate effectively” with its forces.
