The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced at a press conference in Hesekê on September 22 that ISIS cells carried out 153 attacks in North and East Syria between the fall of the Baath regime (December 8, 2024) and September 20. The SDF stated that this number confirms that ISIS mercenaries are attempting to reorganize and expand the scope of their attacks.
In light of increasing attacks by ISIS cells, the Internal Security Forces in the eastern Syrian canton of Deir ez-Zor has stepped up their protective measures. The aim is to ward off potential attacks, protect the civilian population, and restrict the freedom of movement of ISIS structures.
According to Mahmoud al-Hussein of the Internal Security Forces General Command in Deir ez-Zor, patrols have been stepped up for weeks, border and crossing points are being strictly controlled, and targeted operations are being carried out against suspected ISIS cells. “Our units are present in all parts of the canton and ready to respond to any threat,” al-Hussein told the Hawar News Agency (ANHA) on Friday.
Mahmoud al-Hussein emphasized that ISIS cells had seized weapons stocks, particularly after the withdrawal of Baath troops from several military posts in the Deir ez-Zor area, and used them to attack security forces and civilian facilities. The security vacuum that arose in the wake of the fall of the old regime has temporarily strengthened the group, but current measures have once again restricted its freedom of movement, he noted.
Al-Hussein stated that several suspected ISIS members had been arrested and medium and light weapons seized during the latest operations. The population in North and East Syria is highly alert to attempts to exert military and psychological influence. Cooperation between the civilian population and security forces is crucial for stability in the canton, he stated.
Finally, al-Hussein emphasized the role of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria. All social groups—Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, and Syriacs—are united in the fight against terrorist organizations and the region will defend itself against all forms of terrorism, he added.