PRESS RELEASE | Dec. 27, 2017
Coalition partner forces clear Daesh caves in southern Syria
CJTFOIR

Dec. 27, 2017

Release # 20171227-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOUTHWEST ASIA— In unison with Coalition counter-Daesh forces, the Maghawir al-Thawra (MaT) conducted a series of ground clearance operations Dec. 23 to drive Daesh out of the Hamad Desert in southern Syria.

Ongoing successful operations follow previous engagements earlier this month, in which the MaT killed several Daesh terrorists in the 55km de-confliction zone recognized by the Coalition, Russia, and the Syrian Regime.

“The combined operations are a result of many hours of planning, building trust and close cooperation between Coalition Special Operations Forces and the MaT,” said Maj. Gen. James Jarrard, Commander of Operation Inherent Resolve’s Special Operations Joint Task Force.

Operations have disrupted Daesh’s freedom of movement by clearing several caves the terrorist organization has historically used to store weapons, explosives and communications equipment. Daesh was using the area to transit from the Euphrates River Valley, where they have enjoyed relative freedom of movement while fleeing the Coalition’s successful Syrian Democratic Forces partners. Recent MaT operations confirm the 55km de-confliction zone remains inhospitable to Daesh.

“ISIS has repeatedly surfaced in the Hamad Desert,” added Jarrard. “However, inside the de-confliction zone, our partner forces have successfully thwarted ISIS’s movements.”

The cave clearing operations highlight the MaT’s professionalism, tactical skill and their overall impact as an effective security force within the 55km de-confliction zone.