SDF captures senior ISIS explosives operative in Raqqa
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Monday that their Military Operations Teams (MOT) carried out a security raid in Raqqa, northern Syria, leading to the capture of a senior Islamic State (ISIS) operative.
In a statement, the SDF revealed that the operation was conducted on Sep. 13 after months of surveillance targeting Hassan Jafli, also known as Abu Abdo. The militant was apprehended after forces confirmed his location and raided his hideout.
The SDF said Abu Abdo was directly involved in producing TNT explosives and distributing them to ISIS sleeper cells for planned attacks on military checkpoints, Internal Security Forces facilities, vehicles, and civilian gatherings.
He reportedly used a warehouse as a base for manufacturing and storing explosives, according to the SDF’s statement.
During the raid, SDF units seized 180 TNT blocks, detonators, control devices, electronic circuits, mobile phones, and large sums of money.
The statement stressed that the operation was part of the SDF’s ongoing counter-terrorism campaign in northern and eastern Syria, reaffirming their determination to dismantle ISIS networks, cut off their resources, and protect regional security and stability.
Although the group lost its last territorial strongholds in Syria by early 2019—most notably at Baghouz—its remnants remain active across Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and other parts of northern and eastern Syria. These take the shape of sleeper cells, clandestine operatives that periodically carry out attacks, smuggle resources, recruit, or plan operations in relatively quiet times.
In response, the SDF and the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish), often supported by the Global Coalition, have launched regular security campaigns to dismantle ISIS networks. Recent operations in Raqqa and its countryside have led to multiple arrests and weapons seizures, reflecting continued efforts to contain insurgent activity and prevent a resurgence of the group’s influence.