The Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria recently conducted a large-scale security operation in Raqqa (Reqa) and its surrounding areas, successfully detaining 40 ISIS-affiliated operatives and seizing a significant amount of their military and communications equipment.
According to a report by Hawar News Agency, the security forces issued a statement revealing that the arrests were made as part of a comprehensive operation beginning on 4 December 2024.
The detainees are reportedly affiliated with both the ISIS terrorist group and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA).
The communiqué goes on to explain that the security operation aimed to preempt potential attacks by terrorist group members and dismantle their clandestine networks. The operations are ongoing. The successful operation comes at a heavy price, with one security officer losing his life in a gunfight with ISIS fighters.
In a related development concerning Turkey-affiliated groups in northeastern Syria, the internal security forces reported a casualty among their ranks, with one member killed and two others injured following an assault by ISIS-linked factions between the Shadadi and Mercada settlements in Cizira (Cizîre) Canton.
The statement concludes with an appeal to the international community, urging them to fulfill their obligations and bolster counterterrorism efforts in the region.
In November 2024, a joint operation by the Internal Security Forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) targeted the clandestine ISIS cells within al-Hol camp. This operation aimed to uncover and neutralise these sleeper cells, further enhancing security in the region.
