SDF thwarts ISIS suicide attack in Raqqa, casualties reported
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday that they had foiled a suicide attack by an Islamic State (ISIS) cell in the northern countryside of Raqqa, northern Syria.
The SDF said in a statement that at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Sunday, a “terrorist cell” attempted to target one of their military points. Clashes erupted, during which one militant detonated his explosive belt after being wounded, while another was killed by SDF fighters.
According to the statement, three SDF fighters sustained minor injuries while repelling the attack. They were provided with medical treatment and are in stable condition.
The SDF reaffirmed their “high readiness” to pursue ISIS sleeper cells and other armed groups, stressing their commitment to countering attempts to destabilize security in North and East Syria.
Raqqa continues to witness a troubling resurgence of ISIS insurgency. On Aug. 26, the Asayish imposed a partial night curfew in the city following an uptick in activity by the ISIS sleeper cells.
Since early 2025, ISIS sleeper cells have carried out multiple attacks targeting military and security personnel in the region. In July alone, several such assaults in Raqqa led to injuries among the SDF and Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish), and arrests were made during counterterrorism sweeps.
These developments underscore the persistent threat posed by ISIS in the region, along with the SDF’s continued vigilance in responding to and disrupting such threats.