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Statement

Statement | Sept. 22, 2022

U.S. Central Command statement on Thwarted Suicide Bomber Attack near Um Fakik Village, Syria

USCENTCOM

TAMPA, Fla.  –  

Statement from Colonel Joe Buccino, CENTCOM communications director:

"At approximately 12:25 am on Sept. 20th, seven ISIS fighters in two vehicles headed in the direction of the Internally Displaced Persons camp at al-Hol were interdicted by U.S. partnered Syrian Democratic Forces.

"One vehicle - rigged with explosives and personnel wearing explosive suicide vests - prematurely exploded near the Um Fakik village, approximately 12 miles northeast of the intended target at al-Hol. This explosion alerted Syrian Democratic Forces operating in the area who then arrived within minutes and surrounded the second vehicle.

"Two men exited the second vehicle wearing suicide vests. One detonated his vest. Syrian Democratic Forces shot and killed the second man. The second vehicle was rigged with at least 50 kilograms of explosives.

"No Syrian Democratic Forces were killed or wounded. One ISIS fighter is now in Syrian Democratic Forces custody. Four ISIS fighters were killed in the engagement.

"By taking immediate action, and showing disregard for their own safety, the Syrian Democratic Forces demonstrated their professionalism and commitment to creating and maintaining a safe and prosperous region for the people who make it their home. The response of our partnered forces highlights not only dedication to their people, but also their tenacity and commitment to the enduring defeat of ISIS."