The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have captured 16 Islamic State (ISIS) affiliates involved in violence against Kurdish forces and providing support to the group’s cells.
The operation, which took place in the city of al-Hasakah (Hesekê) in northeast Syria on 22 February, was part of ongoing efforts to defeat the remnants of ISIS in the region.
In a statement on Sunday, the SDF said they had started investigations and interrogations of the detained individuals, indicating a proactive stance in intelligence-gathering with the aim of further dismantling ISIS networks. They reiterated their commitment to the eradication of ISIS, reflecting the determination to address the threat posed by the group, a threat that is ongoing despite the group’s territorial defeat in March 2019.
Meanwhile, a landmine laid by ISIS exploded in the Raqqa desert on Sunday, killing 14 truffle hunters and injuring eight more.
Experts and monitoring groups have noted a significant increase in ISIS attacks in early 2024, signalling a possible resurgence. ISIS has called for renewed attacks against its opponents, pushing a global campaign called “And kill them wherever you find them”. Such a resurgence would be in part facilitated by the ongoing conflict and the resulting power vacuum in the region.
The United Nations has expressed concern about the potential for ISIS to cause significant civilian casualties and humanitarian suffering. Despite the loss of its leadership and financial challenges, ISIS retains the ability to plan and carry out deadly attacks, and remains a threat. The UN stressed the importance of a renewed international commitment to defeat the jihadist group and prevent future attacks.
The US-led Global Coalition and SDF fighters regularly conduct joint operations against ISIS cells to rid the region of the group’s destructive influence.
However, the SDF, a key player in the fight against ISIS, faces challenges on multiple fronts, including Turkish military actions that only serve to hinder the anti-ISIS operations.