Night curfew in Raqqa to counter ISIS sleeper cells

By Zana al-Ali

RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Autonomous Administration’s Internal Security Forces (Asayish) in Raqqa have imposed a partial night curfew in the city following an uptick in activity by Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells, a senior local official said on Tuesday.

The curfew, which took effect earlier this week, restricts movement from midnight until 5 a.m. and will remain in place until further notice. Authorities said the measure is necessary to counter security threats without disrupting daily civilian life.

Iskandar Issa, the co-chair of the Interior Board in Raqqa, told North Press that the decision came in response to “increased ISIS activity in the city.” He said, “The group has intensified its operations after several of its members were released from former Syrian government prisons.”

According to Issa, ISIS cells initially operated in rural areas before shifting toward Raqqa’s more densely populated neighborhoods, attempting to exploit the environment to carry out attacks. “These cells are working to destabilize security and spread fear by launching assaults and creating chaos,” he noted.

The Interior Board emphasized that the curfew is intended to safeguard residents and prevent the group from gaining ground inside urban areas. Officials said patrols and checkpoints have been reinforced in and around the city to monitor potential movements linked to ISIS affiliates.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), supported by the U.S.-led Global Coalition, declared the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2019 but have continued to confront persistent threats from sleeper cells, particularly in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor. Local authorities say these cells remain a serious risk to security across northeastern Syria.

Residents of Raqqa, once the de facto capital of ISIS, have lived under the AANES administration since the SDF liberated the city in 2017. Local governance structures, including the Interior Board and Asayish, play a central role in maintaining security and providing public order in the face of recurring insurgent activity.

Issa stressed that the curfew would not negatively affect daily economic or social activities. “This decision is for the protection of society and residents,” he said.

Security forces confirmed the measure will stay in effect until threats subside and stability is reinforced.