The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance predominantly consisting of Kurdish fighters and Arab militias, announced the commencement of operations in Deir ez-Zor, a province in northeastern Syria that was largely held by the Islamic State (IS). This campaign aimed to eradicate IS from parts of Syria that were critical for both territorial and resource control, especially the oil fields in the region that had financially sustained the group during its peak. The SDF's advance was notably supported by the U.S. airstrikes, enhancing their combat effectiveness against IS forces entrenched in urban and rural areas. Deir ez-Zor province had significant importance due to its geographical position along the Euphrates River, which serves as a critical logistical route.The Deir ez-Zor campaign marked a significant shift in the coalition's strategy against IS, as it followed previous successful operations in Raqqa, the former capital of IS. By targeting the remnants of the group's control over Deir ez-Zor, the SDF aimed to diminish the operational capabilities of IS and enhance stability in the region. The presence of multiple factions, including the Syrian government and other rebel groups, further complicated the landscape, making the SDF's offensive particularly challenging. Despite these difficulties, the SDF's operations were an essential part of the broader campaign to dismantle the IS foothold in Syria. Community engagement strategies were integrated to encourage local populations to participate in the liberation process, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and accountability in restoring order post-conflict.