Leylwa: ISIS uses civilians as human shield, victory is close

SEYDO IBO- AHMAD AL-KAMIYAN/ NEWS DESK

Al-Jazeera Tempest campaign continues in its last phase" the Battle to Defeat Terrorism" led by the Syrian Democratic Forces, in the last stronghold of ISIS in the south- eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, amid cautious advancing of SDF, to avoid civilian casualties in clashes with the ISIS.

ANHA agency met the spokesperson on behalf of al-Jazeera Tempest campaign, Leylwa al-Abdullah, on the margin of a meeting of the Presidential Council of the Syrian Democratic Council held in Ain Issa headquarter, to evaluate the developments of the Battle to Defeat Terrorism against ISIS.

Leylwa said," the military operation launched by Syrian Democratic Forces in east Euphrates to the Iraqi borders against ISIS, is on the verge of full completion.

Adding that direct clashes between IS and SDF occurred in Bagouz and al-Marashda, she said:" IS uses the civilians as human shields in the small area under their control yet, to prolong their lives."

"Our forces are opening safe corridors to get the civilians out of areas under the control of IS into liberated areas."

She pointed out that the campaign was suspended several times, due to the Turkish threats against North Syria, adding that these threats were aimed to prolong the IS life and prevent the elimination of IS in Syria.

Leylwa confirmed that the victory is close, clarifying that there is no specific point for IS, because it did not end completely in North Syria, the cells are still active in these areas and are intensively planting mines there.

She concluded that the Demining Teams of SDF are working intensively to clear the mines planted by IS in the area, also they transferr the civilians to the liberated areas, till restoring the security and stability to the area.

H/S

ANHA