SDF repels ISIS attacks in Deir Ezzor amid renewed insurgency in Syria
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The Syrian Democratic Forces repelled a series of coordinated ISIS attacks in eastern Deir Ezzor, as the terrorist group attempts to resurge by exploiting instability.
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A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter stands next to an armored vehicle at al-Sabha town in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, Syria, on September 4, 2023. (AP)
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) repelled a string of attacks launched by ISIS cells in Deir Ezzor on Friday, in what appears to be a renewed push by the group to destabilize the region and regain operational momentum.
According to military sources, the first assault occurred in the village of al-Zar near al-Basira, east of Deir Ezzor, where ISIS operatives targeted an SDF military post. The attack led to the death of one SDF fighter and the injury of another. In response, SDF units engaged the attackers in a brief firefight before they fled the area. A wide-scale sweep operation was launched to track down the assailants.
In a separate incident, an ISIS cell targeted another SDF outpost in the town of Dhiban, prompting immediate retaliation by the SDF. Several assailants were reportedly injured, although they managed to escape amid the exchange of fire. No casualties were reported among SDF forces.
A third attack targeted an Internal Security Forces checkpoint between the towns of al-Shuhail and al-Basira. No information has yet been released regarding casualties or damage from that assault.
The SDF confirmed that ISIS is attempting to exploit the current instability in eastern Syria, including the suspension of US stabilization aid and ongoing tensions between local Arab tribes and SDF forces. The group emphasized that it remains committed to its ongoing military operations to prevent ISIS from regrouping in areas under its control.
Read more: Three civilians killed in residential explosion in Idlib, Syria
ISIS resurgence tied to broader security vacuum
These latest attacks come amid a broader resurgence of ISIS activity across eastern Syria and western Iraq. According to a recent Reuters investigation, the group has reactivated sleeper cells and is targeting critical infrastructure in an effort to reassert itself. Security experts have warned that prisons and detention camps housing ISIS members—many under SDF control—remain vulnerable due to inadequate resources and weakening international support.
In June, a joint U.S.–SDF operation in the Aleppo countryside eliminated senior ISIS commander Dhiya Zawba Muslih al-Hardan, who was believed to be involved in planning cross-border attacks. Despite this success, US officials have expressed concern over ISIS's ability to regroup in the absence of sustained counterterrorism pressure.
Read more: Syrian, Israeli officials hold 'significant' meeting in Paris
