Ahmed Abu Khaula told Sputnik that the SDF fighters have reached areas four kilometers away from the Iraqi border.

“Amid the operation that we have begun a week ago, we have made remarkable advances in the Deir Ezzor region,” said Khaula.

Syrian Democratic Forces were able to seize approximately 16km of territory near the Iraqi border, he added.

The US-led coalition provided support for the SDF fighters by launching airstrikes against IS positions, according to Khaula.

When asked about ties between SDF and Iraqi army, he said “We have cooperation with Iraq as we want to oust Daesh [IS] from border territories of both countries, and Iraqi forces have launched an operation to completely get rid of Daesh.”

The SDF, an alliance dominated by the People’s Protection Units (YPG) and backed by U.S.-led coalition air strikes and special forces, have been fighting to defeat IS militants in Syria.

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