Asayish Member Killed, Others Injured in Armed Attack in Syria’s Raqqa

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – A member of the Internal Security Forces (Asayish) was killed and three others injured on Tuesday when unidentified gunmen targeted a checkpoint south of Raqqa in northern Syria.

According to an Asayish security source, two unidentified attackers riding a motorcycle stormed the “Kanj” checkpoint in the Kasrat area, opening fire on Asayish personnel with automatic weapons.

Details of the Attack

The source revealed that the attackers ambushed the checkpoint, catching the security forces off guard. “The gunmen were heavily armed and approached the checkpoint under the cover of darkness, firing indiscriminately,” the source said.

The attack resulted in the immediate death of one Asayish member, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured were rushed to the military hospital in Raqqa for urgent medical care.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing gunfire and seeing two individuals fleeing the scene on a motorcycle shortly after the attack.

Rising Security Concerns

The incident highlights the escalating security challenges in Raqqa and surrounding areas. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, similar operations in the region have previously been attributed to remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells.

The Kasrat area, located south of Raqqa, has seen a number of recent incidents involving attacks on military and security checkpoints. These attacks are often designed to destabilize the region and undermine ongoing security efforts by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and their allies.

“The use of motorcycles and hit-and-run tactics is a hallmark of ISIS sleeper cells,” the security source noted, adding that investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators.

Medical Update on the Injured

Hospital staff at the military facility in Raqqa stated that the injured Asayish members are in stable condition but require ongoing treatment. “Two of the injured sustained gunshot wounds to their lower limbs, while the third is being treated for more severe injuries,” a hospital spokesperson said.

Security forces have since tightened their presence around the Kasrat area, setting up additional checkpoints and conducting search operations to apprehend the attackers.

Broader Context

Raqqa, once the de facto capital of ISIS’s self-proclaimed caliphate, was liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in 2017 with the support of the U.S.-led international coalition. Despite the group’s territorial defeat, ISIS remnants continue to launch sporadic attacks across northern and eastern Syria, targeting both civilians and security personnel.

In recent months, there has been a noticeable uptick in attacks on checkpoints and convoys, particularly in rural areas south of Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. Analysts suggest that these operations are part of a broader strategy by ISIS to regroup and reassert its presence in the region.

The Asayish, in coordination with the SDF, has been actively working to counter these threats, conducting raids and dismantling sleeper cells. However, the latest attack underscores the ongoing risks faced by security personnel in areas where ISIS once held significant influence.

Public Reaction

Residents of Raqqa expressed concern over the security situation, urging authorities to increase patrols and fortify checkpoints. “We’ve seen a lot of improvement in security since ISIS was defeated, but attacks like this remind us of the past,” said Ahmed, a local shopkeeper.

Others called for enhanced intelligence-gathering efforts to preempt such attacks. “The attackers clearly had detailed knowledge of the checkpoint’s operations. This kind of information leak needs to be addressed,” another resident commented.

Looking Ahead

In response to the attack, the Asayish issued a statement vowing to pursue those responsible and bolster security measures across Raqqa and its surrounding areas. “We will not allow these cowardly acts to undermine the safety and stability of our region,” the statement read.

As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by ISIS remnants and the challenges of maintaining security in liberated areas.

This marks the second significant attack on Asayish forces in recent weeks, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and support for local security forces in northern Syria.