HESEKÊ
SDF General Command held a press conference in Hesekê on the killing of the alleged leader of ISIS, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The statement was read in Kurdish by Rêdûr Xelil, SDF’s General Relations Officer, and in Arabic by Kîno Gabriyêl, SDF Official Spokesperson.
“As a result of the joint efforts of SDF and US military intelligence for more than 5 months, ISIS’ so-called leader Ebubekir Al-Bagdadi was killed by the SDFand US in a joint operation near the Turkish military base in the village of Barisha in the north of Idlib.
This historic victory was achieved through strong US cooperation with the SDF. We followed up the preparation phase of the operation on both sides with all the details.”
Operation was postponed for a month due to the attacks of the Turkish state
As the Syrian Democratic Forces, we state that this operation was postponed for a month due to the attacks of the Turkish state towards the region. This operation was carried out to avenge the abduction of Ezidî women; especially those who were victims of crimes against humanity committed by the ISIS in Kobanê, Şengal, Habur, Nineveh, Kirkuk, Xaneqîn and Mexmûr.
‘Operation started with SDF intelligence’
The operation began when our military intelligence found that the top commanders of ISIS, including al-Baghdadi, were located in areas occupied by the Turkish state. After the liberation of Baxoz from ISIS gangs, our press office shared some details on this issue.
‘Turkey resurrected ISIS’
We would like to use this opportunity once again, to share with the world that jihadist terror groups are being resurrected by the hands of the Turkish state in Serekaniye and Gire Spi, they want to pave the way for ISIS.
This situation threatens the whole world, and especially the region. We have previously announced that the top ISIS rulers, including Baghdadi, have passed over Idlib and Efrîn, which are occupied by the Turkish state, the so-called ‘Euphrates shield.’
The operation, which resulted in the death of al-Baghdadi, once again demonstrates the authenticity of our intelligence information.
As the Democratic Syrian Forces, we extend our thanks to all the forces involved in this historic operation. In addition, we continue to collaborate with the US-led International Coalition, and we will continue our operations against ISIS commanders and cell structures. ”
