SDF arrests 71 suspects, including ISIS-linked members, in Raqqa operation
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Sunday the arrest of 71 individuals, including members linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), during a wide-scale security operation in the town of Ain Issa, north of Raqqa, northern Syria.
In an official statement published on its website, the SDF said its units “carried out a comprehensive and well-planned security campaign in the town of al-Heisha and surrounding areas east of Ain Issa,” targeting “ISIS cells and active criminal elements in the region.”
According to the statement, the operation resulted in “the arrest of 71 persons, among them individuals connected to ISIS, as well as members involved in organized crime networks engaged in looting, theft, and drug trafficking.” The statement also mentioned that others were detained for “participating in activities aimed at undermining local security and threatening the safety of civilians.”
The SDF further reported that the operation led to the seizure of various weapons, ammunition, and materials allegedly used “to conduct acts of violence and terrorism.”
The statement reaffirmed the SDF’s commitment to maintaining regional stability and protecting civilians from extremist and criminal threats that seek to destabilize local communities.
Recent months have seen intensified security operations across AANES-held areas, particularly in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor, where remnants of ISIS sleeper cells continue to carry out sporadic attacks targeting security forces and civilian infrastructure.
According to SDF sources, the detainees will be transferred to competent judicial authorities for further investigation, while search operations continue to pursue remaining suspects linked to the same networks.