A declared joint counter-terrorism airdrop operation led by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and International Coalition resulted in the arrest of one to two alleged Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) members at 2am on January 18th 2023 in Al-Akat, located in the Deir Ezzor countryside.

Euphrates Post reported that the SDF and US coalition arrested two people: Ali Khalil al-Alawi al-Salama and Hussein Khalil al-Alawi al-Salama, who has paraplegic special needs. US Central Command (CENTCOM) released a statement reporting that they captured one unnamed “ISIS Syrian provincial media and security operative,” who was thought to have been involved in global recruiting for ISIS.

Multiple sources corroborate that Ali Khalil al-Alawi al-Salama managed to escape whilst Hussein Khalil al-Alawi al-Salama was arrested. @Saharaa_Eye tweeted that the escapee was the ISIS fighter that the SDF and International Coalition intended to arrest, and did not link Hussein Khalil al-Alawi al-Salama to the terrorist organization. Other sources such as Alaraby News reported that both men were considered ISIS fighters and were wanted by the SDF and International Coalition.

CENTCOM also reported that “initial assessments indicate no civilians were killed or injured.” Euphrates Post reported that the operation included an “armed clash” between the SDF and one of the arrested militants, but there are currently no disputing reports of civilian or belligerent harm or death.