Commanders of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias, met with Iraqi military leaders on Sunday. They “discussed protecting the Syrian-Iraqi border in the region adjacent to Deir al-Zor province, and how to finally eradicate Daesh (IS) mercenaries there,” the SDF said in a statement.

“The two sides decided to form a joint coordination center to guarantee the security of the border,” it said.

Last week, the SDF declared victory in its assault in Syria’s Deir al-Zor, which borders Iraq. The offensive focused on seizing territory east of the Euphrates river that bisects the oil-rich province.

The Kurdish-led SDF has been battling for months with the help of jets and special forces from the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State (IS).

Reporter’s code: 50101