US Military Patrols in Syria Rebel Forces Territory

US forces in Syria have conducted their first Bradley patrol mission on a road running from Al-Hasakah to Deir ez-Zour. The patrol was composed of 6 Bradley armoured vehicles and a Humvee, and they were accompanied by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The patrolling mission is part of joint steps to enhance the protection of prisons that contain thousands of leaders and members of the Islamic State group. It's also aimed at combating Islamic State (IS) cells that have recently increased their activities in the area, according to a statement released by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Kurdish authorities operate more than two dozen detention facilities scattered across northeastern Syria, holding about 10,000 IS fighters. Among the detainees are some 2,000 foreigners whose home countries have refused to repatriate them, including about 800 Europeans. Kurdish officials have long said the U.S.-led coalition and the international community bear responsibility for finding solutions for IS detainees, who have frequently rioted, sometimes leading to the escape of IS prisoners. (Associated Press)