About 400 to 900 ISIS fighters remain in Raqqa, officials estimate.
The coalition is staying focused on defeating ISIS in Syria, “while maintaining de-confliction between various groups, especially in and around Dayr Az Zawr,” Dillon said.
De-Confliction Continues
Coalition and Russian military officials met face-to-face this week to adjust and expand de-confliction measures, he added.
“The discussions emphasized the need to share operational graphics and locations to ensure the prevention of accidental targeting or other possible frictions that will distract from the defeat of ISIS,” Dillon said.
“We will continue de-confliction efforts with the Russians at every level to ensure we remain focused on fighting ISIS; all while protecting coalition and our partners' forces,” he said.
SDF partners continued their anti-ISIS clearance operations in the Dayr Az Zawr province, northeast of Dayr Az Zawr city, the spokesman said. Since clearing began two weeks ago, the SDF have cleared more than 193 square miles, he added.
Humanitarian Efforts
The SDF also has continued to receive, screen and assist internally displaced persons, moving north from Dayr Az Zawr, he added.
In southern Syria, near the tri-border region, coalition forces continue to conduct patrols and prepare for defeat-ISIS operations with the majority in the vicinity of Tanf, Dillon said.
Across Syria, he said, some 2.3 million people are free of ISIS control and more than 44,000 square kilometers -- nearly 17,000 square miles -- have been cleared in the ongoing fight against ISIS.
“We still expect tough fighting ahead, but with our partners' battlefield successes, increased capacity and continued support from a 73-member coalition, we will keep the pressure on until ISIS is defeated in both Iraq and Syria,” Dillon said.
(Source: US Dept of Defense)
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