Dec. 14, 2017
Release # 20171214-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SOUTHWEST ASIA - Coalition-partnered forces in southern Syria killed more than 20 Daesh terrorists near at-Tanf on Dec. 13. A number of Daesh terrorists were detained in the engagement, including foreign terrorists.
The Maghawir al-Thawra (MaT), a Vetted Syrian Opposition force, has been fighting Daesh in the tri-border area of Iraq, Syria, and Jordan since 2015.
"While the Coalition and its partner forces in Syria have weakened Daesh, increasingly desperate terrorists continue to present a threat to the civilian population," said Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve director of operations, Brig. Gen. Jonathan Braga.
The Daesh terrorists freely moved through an area controlled by pro-Syrian regime forces. This is the second time in less than a month that convoys of Daesh terrorists, fleeing the middle Euphrates River valley, transited through regime-controlled territory. The MaT, supported by Coalition forces, detected the enemy convoy during the predawn hours of Dec. 13 and quickly and professionally conducted an operation to prevent their further incursion.
"Despite the presence of Russian-backed, pro-Syrian regime forces in the area, Daesh still finds ways to move freely through regime lines and pose a threat," Braga said. "We shall continue to work by, with, and through our partner forces to deny Daesh the ability to regroup and reorganize."
Though Daesh has lost over 98% of the land it once controlled, this exchange is evidence that Daesh still poses a threat to the people of Syria. The Coalition remains committed to standing with our partner forces to see a lasting defeat of Daesh.
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