SDF reports annual outcomes of 2025 anti-ISIS campaign
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) revealed on Wednesday the annual results of their operations against Islamic State (ISIS) cells across northeast Syria in 2025, reporting the arrest of 140 members and the killing of 13 others, including three senior leaders.
In a statement published on its official website, the SDF said, “Throughout the year, our forces continued implementing sustained security and military operations against ISIS terrorist cells, within a comprehensive defensive strategy aimed at preventing the group’s resurgence, cutting off its resources, and protecting civilians from any potential threat.”
The statement highlighted that the SDF, alongside the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), carried out hundreds of specialized operations ranging from precise raids to preemptive strikes and pursuit of sleeper cells. These efforts led to the dismantling of logistical networks, destruction of hideouts, and seizure of weapons and explosive devices intended for attacks against civilians and official institutions.
The SDF praised the continued support of the US-led Global Coalition against ISIS, noting that operational coordination, technical assistance, and intelligence sharing played a significant role in enhancing the effectiveness of joint counterterrorism efforts. “This cooperation has been a key factor in strengthening the shared responsibility to confront this cross-border threat,” the statement added.
According to the figures released, the SDF conducted a total of 163 operations in 2025. These included three large-scale sweep operations, 128 raids targeting ISIS hideouts, and 32 direct clashes with the group. The majority of operations—70 percent—took place in rural areas, while 20 percent occurred in towns and cities, and 10 percent along vital roads.
The SDF further reported dismantling 79 improvised explosive devices planted by ISIS during the year. Meanwhile, the group carried out approximately 220 attacks, many of which were thwarted before reaching their intended targets.
In its concluding remarks, the SDF stated that its operations “succeeded in reducing the operational capacity of the organization, dismantling its logistical support networks and collaborators, and preventing dozens of planned attacks against civilians. These efforts have reinforced security stability in the region.”
The announcement underscores the ongoing role of the SDF in maintaining regional stability and countering extremist threats, as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) continues to govern areas liberated from ISIS with the backing of international partners.