The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement regarding the developments in the war against ISIS in North and East Syria.
The SDF statement on Monday includes the following:
“Since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in 2011 and the ensuing security vacuum, extremist organizations—foremost among them the terrorist organization ISIS— have expanded, exploiting the chaos to pose an existential threat to the peoples of the region. ISIS spread death, destruction, and displacement, while ISIS emerged as a global menace extending far beyond Syria and the Middle East, committing crimes that shocked the conscience of humanity.
In response to this threat, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with the active participation of the International Coalition, have waged one of the most complex battles of our time against terrorism. From the Battle of Kobani, which marked a turning point, through the liberation of Raqqa—the capital of the so-called caliphate—to the Battle of Baghouz, the last ISIS stronghold, and continuing with ongoing operations in Deir ez-Zor, Hasakah, and other parts of North and East Syria, our fighters have demonstrated determination and advanced operational capabilities. These efforts enabled us to dismantle the organization’s infrastructure, cut off many of its resources, and eliminate its so-called state.
Despite the heavy losses it has suffered, ISIS continues its attempts to reorganize, exploiting the chaos in parts of Syria and unstable conditions in areas beyond our control. However, through the SDF’s precise security and military operations, carried out in coordination with the International Coalition, dozens of such attempts have been foiled, preventing the group’s resurgence and protecting the security and stability of our people.
Indicators of ISIS activity
Between the collapse of the Baath regime in Damascus on December 8, 2024, and September 20, 2025, ISIS cells carried out 153 attacks in North and East Syria—evidence of its ongoing efforts to reorganize and expand operations.
Since the territorial defeat of ISIS in Baghouz in 2019, the group has shifted from a “state organization” to a network of cells and militant groups, increasing its reliance on local attacks, assassinations, and covert recruitment. This transformation was reflected in fluctuating attack levels: following a sharp decline between 2020 and 2024, indicators began to show a notable resurgence in 2025.
Achievements of operations against ISIS
In close coordination with the International Coalition, the SDF conducted a series of field and preemptive operations over the past ten months, dismantling cells, arresting dozens of suspects, and thwarting multiple planned attacks. These efforts significantly reduced ISIS’ ability to carry out major operations in time and place.
In total, our forces, including all its military units—supported by the Coalition—conducted 70 operations, including three large-scale sweeps. During these operations, 95 terrorists were captured, including three senior leaders. Six terrorists, among them two leaders, were eliminated. A large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and identification documents was also seized.
During ISIS’ terrorist attacks, 30 of our fighters were martyred, 12 were wounded, and six civilians lost their lives.
The Syrian Democratic Forces stress the following:
1. The ongoing battle against ISIS: ISIS remains an active and serious threat, both locally and internationally.
2. The importance of international partnership: Cooperation with the International Coalition is vital to prevent ISIS’s resurgence. We call for greater operational and logistical support.
3. Stability and reconstruction: The fight against terrorism can only be completed through development and service projects that restore hope to the people of liberated areas and block the path to extremist ideology. Achieving this requires sustained and long-term international support, given the severe challenges created by the ongoing Syrian crisis.
Recent indicators show that ISIS remains a force capable of causing damage through sporadic attacks and complex plots (153 attacks). Meanwhile, our region continues to host large numbers of detained ISIS fighters and their families. This underscores the urgent need for continued operational pressure and international cooperation to bring this battle to a decisive and secure conclusion.
In conclusion, we salute and honor our martyrs who gave their lives defending freedom and human dignity in North and East Syria. We renew our pledge to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete eradication and the achievement of a secure and stable future.”