DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Ahmad’s life, as a young man from the town of Susa in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, oscillates between pressing financial need and fear of an uncertain future. Each morning begins with him checking on the safety of his family before heading out to perform small jobs that barely secure their daily sustenance.
Speaking to North Press, Ahmad — a pseudonym — says, “We feel fear every day. Despite the routine security operations, ISIS continues trying to return. From time to time, we hear and see reports of attacks, and this makes us feel unsafe.”
Life is far from easy for Ahmad. The absence of basic services such as electricity, water, and healthcare, coupled with high unemployment rates, has left many young people in his area vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups, according to testimonies from locals.
He adds, “The lack of job opportunities and awareness programs makes young people susceptible to ISIS. If these resources were available, alongside increased security and intelligence operations, their activities would decrease. Security operations alone are not enough.”
Poverty and danger
Deir ez-Zor is witnessing a steady rise in “terrorist” activity despite the end of ISIS’ territorial control. These incidents include assassinations, attacks on checkpoints and positions held by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish), and sometimes assaults targeting civilians — all of which heighten residents’ sense of insecurity.
Nasser Ali, also a pseudonym and a civil employee with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Deir ez-Zor, tells North Press, “ISIS cells are still present, and the operations are increasing in a worrying way. Extremist ideology continues to exist among youths who lack awareness and employment opportunities, making them vulnerable to recruitment. Additionally, there are areas difficult for the forces to control, which become safe havens for the organization.”
Nasser adds that addressing the problem requires both security and social efforts: strengthening intelligence cooperation between local forces and the U.S.-led Global Coalition, increasing security activity in the most affected areas, and implementing development programs that offer alternatives to youths vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
On Nov. 21, the Asayish said in a statement that “its positions came under two simultaneous attacks in eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside, carried out by terrorist cells that constantly seek to destabilize security and spread chaos.”
Impact on civil society
Sarah, a feminist activist from Deir ez-Zor, describes the impact of ISIS attacks on her daily life: “We have become afraid to go out, especially at night. Most people only leave their homes when absolutely necessary for fear of attacks. Shops close early, which increases unemployment and adds to people’s hardships. We need real protection and better opportunities for everyone.”
A commander in the Asayish in Deir ez-Zor tells North Press, “Since the beginning of August, Deir ez-Zor has witnessed more than 23 attacks targeting our forces, humanitarian organizations, and civil institutions, resulting in casualties and material damage.”
He notes that the solution cannot rely solely on security campaigns. It requires stronger cooperation with the local community, increased awareness of ISIS dangers, and development programs that provide young people with real alternatives to extremism.
Residents agree that the threat posed by ISIS in Deir ez-Zor remains ongoing and demands a comprehensive response that combines security, social, and economic measures. Improving living conditions, providing job opportunities, and expanding awareness initiatives can reduce youth recruitment and foster a safer, more stable environment.
Hope remains tied to the ability of local and international actors to cooperate and work together to build a better future for the people of Deir ez-Zor — one in which civilians can live free from fear and reclaim their normal lives amid lasting stability and security.
Reporting by Omar Abdurrahman