SDF arrests senior ISIS emir in Deir ez-Zor countryside
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – A senior Islamic State (ISIS) figure was arrested last week in eastern Syria during a joint security operation conducted by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with support from the US-led Global Coalition, according to an official statement released Sunday.
The arrest took place on July 20 in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, an area where remnants of ISIS cells continue to operate despite repeated counterterrorism campaigns.
The SDF’s military operations unit, known by its abbreviation TOL, carried out the raid that led to the capture of Ahmad al-Talib, identified as a high-ranking emir within the ISIS structure. According to a statement by the People’s Protection Units (YPG), which operates within the SDF framework, al-Talib held a key leadership position, overseeing the coordination of attacks and the preparation of explosive devices.
The arrest was made while the suspect was allegedly preparing a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), which was intended to target both SDF personnel and civilians in the area. Security forces reported no injuries during the operation, and the vehicle was neutralized before detonation.
Eastern Deir ez-Zor has long been a hotspot for ISIS sleeper cells exploiting the instability of the region. The SDF, backed by the US-led Coalition, has maintained ongoing counterterrorism efforts in these territories, aiming to prevent a resurgence of the extremist group following its territorial defeat in 2019.