Kurdish-led SDF Dismantles ISIS Cell in Syria’s Raqqa, Arrests Key Leaders

By Kardo Roj

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) –The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced Monday that they had dismantled a high-risk Islamic State (ISIS) cell operating inside the city of Raqqa in northern Syria, with support from the U.S.-led Global Coalition.

According to an official statement released by the SDF, the operation was conducted by their Tactical Operations and Logistics (TOL) units. The mission successfully targeted a covert ISIS cell and resulted in the capture of its top leader and four other members.

The cell’s alleged leader, identified as Abd Eid, also known as Abu Zahra, was arrested along with Hussein Muhammad (Abu Muaz), Abd al-Yusuf (Abu Hadi), Jassem Saleh (al-Shammari), and Hamad al-Khalaf (Abu Omar).

The SDF confirmed that the operation was “highly coordinated and precise,” carried out in collaboration with Coalition forces present in the area. No civilian casualties were reported.

The group revealed that the arrested ISIS members had been operating a logistical and smuggling network inside Raqqa, helping to bring foreign ISIS fighters into Syria, providing them with explosives, ammunition, and material support. The network was also planning an attack on Raqqa Central Prison, which currently holds dozens of ISIS detainees.

Security experts warn that despite territorial losses, ISIS cells continue to pose a threat through underground networks. “Operations like these are vital to countering the resurgence of ISIS and preventing major prison breaks, which have historically been part of their comeback strategy,” said Dr. Leila Salameh, a regional counterterrorism analyst.

The SDF, backed by the Global Coalition, continues to conduct anti-terror operations in northeast Syria amid concerns of renewed insurgency in areas like Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor.