SDF fighter lost life in ISIS claimed shooting in Deir ez-Zor
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed on Sunday responsibility for targeting a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) member in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, according to statements released on media channels close to the group.
Amaq, the ISIS-affiliated outlet, published a brief statement saying that “ISIS fighters targeted an SDF member with a machine gun on the road to the town of Muhaymida, west of Deir ez-Zor.” The statement added that the fighter “was killed instantly and the attackers returned safely to their positions.”
A military source from the SDF in Deir ez-Zor confirmed to North Press that the attack occurred around midday, when two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on an SDF member traveling on his motorcycle from the town of Muhaymida toward the town of al-Ma‘amel while heading home on leave. The source said the fighter “lost his life immediately as a result of the gunfire.”
The incident is the latest in a series of targeted attacks carried out by suspected ISIS sleeper cells operating in rural areas where the group has sought to exploit gaps in security. Despite extensive operations conducted by the SDF and Internal Security Forces (Asayish), remnants of the organization continue to move covertly in isolated villages and along riverbank routes.
The attack underscores ongoing challenges faced by the SDF in maintaining stability in the region, where counterterrorism units continue to conduct raids targeting suspected ISIS cells. The SDF has repeatedly emphasized that its security campaigns—often carried out in coordination with the U.S.-led Global Coalition—aim to protect civilian areas and prevent the group from reconstituting its operational networks.
In recent months, ISIS has increased its public claims of attacks through online platforms, often targeting SDF personnel, civilian employees of local councils, and tribal figures cooperating with security institutions. Authorities say these attempts aim to undermine local governance structures in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and create instability in communities that have largely resisted IS influence.