SDF sends special forces to Hajin amid 'hard fighting'

Rudaw

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has  sent 300 "special forces" to reinforce their efforts in the fight against ISIS in the extremist group's last holdout east of the Euphrates around Hajin.


The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported late Sunday night that the forces arrived in eastern Deir ez-Zor governorate. Most are from Hasaka. 

Additionally US Hummers were seen entering the conflict area, the Observatory reported. The coalition has provided massive artillery support to the SDF, as part of their advise, train, and assist mission. 


The SDF did not reveal any troop movements in their most recent report, but did acknowledge "violent clashes" were being supported by the US-led international anti-ISIS coalition with missiles, air strikes, and Hummers. 


They confirmed 14 SDF fighters have been killed recently in the fight for Hajin and ISIS has taken advantage of sand storms for the past three weeks to launch vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) suicide attacks. 

The statement described coalition air support as "ineffective."

The coalition summarized the fight as intense, while acknowledging the sacrifices of its partnered forces. 

"The SDF is engaged in a difficult battle & fighting bravely to protect and free their people from ISIS. We salute the martyred SDF heroes as the intense fight against evil continues," tweeted US Army Col. Sean Ryan later on Monday.


After attending the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) forum in Bahrain, US Secretary of Defense James Mattis updated reporters during his return flight on the "hard fighting" in the Middle Euphrates River Valley.


"This is as we get down into the — it's under 2-percent now as the fighting goes on, very hard fighting. Exactly what we anticipated as we concentrate some more, they become more capable of sailing out. So, they've got a fallback and of course, the reinforcement themselves," he said.

The coalition, SDF, and Iraqi military have coordinated to secure the strategic river valley — al-Qaim in Iraq and Al Boukamal in Syria — as the area is considered to be ISIS's last stronghold east of the Euphrates.

"So, hard fighting casualties down there both sides, but we'll continue to go after them in the weeks ahead," said the former US general.

 

The Observatory previously reported ISIS killed 68 members of the SDF, which then put the figure at just 14. 

 

Operation Roundup began on May 1 with the coalition and SDF. Its third phase aims to clear ISIS from east of the Euphrates along the border with Iraq.