Kurdish-led SDF Launches Security Operation Against ISIS Cells in Syria’s Hasakah

SDF Counterterrorism Units during an operation against ISIS cells in southern Hasakah
SDF Counterterrorism Units during an operation against ISIS cells in southern Hasakah

By Kardo Roj

HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in coordination with the U.S.-led Global Coalition, launched a large-scale security operation on Thursday to hunt down ISIS sleeper cells in southern Hasakah, northeastern Syria.

A security source accompanying the operation told North Press that the campaign is targeting dozens of villages west of al-Shaddadi, an area known for increased ISIS activity in recent months.

“The operation involves sweeping areas where ISIS cells have been reported, with aerial support from Coalition helicopters and drones,” the source said.

ISIS Remnants Pose Persistent Threat

Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in Syria in 2019, the group continues to operate through sleeper cells, launching ambushes, assassinations, and bombings against SDF forces, local tribal leaders, and civilians. Southern Hasakah and eastern Deir ez-Zor remain among the most active zones for ISIS resurgence.

Local residents have reported an uptick in ISIS movements, particularly in rural areas where security patrols are less frequent. The extremist group has also exploited tribal tensions and the security vacuum left by shifting military priorities in Syria.

Coalition-SDF Coordination

The latest operation follows a successful U.S.-led air raid days ago in northern Deir ez-Zor, where a senior ISIS leader was captured. Coalition forces continue to provide intelligence, aerial surveillance, and occasional ground support to the SDF in anti-ISIS operations.

An SDF spokesperson emphasized that eliminating ISIS cells remains a top priority. “ISIS is attempting to reorganize, and we will not allow it. Our joint efforts with the Coalition are crucial in preventing another wave of terror,” the spokesperson said.

Future Operations Expected

With ISIS activity persisting, similar security campaigns are expected to continue in other areas of northeastern Syria. The SDF has called for sustained international support to prevent the group from regaining strength, particularly as Syria undergoes significant political and military shifts.

For now, the latest operation in Hasakah underscores the ongoing struggle to secure the region and prevent ISIS from exploiting instability.