ISIS claims attacks in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa as security forces report rising activity
DEIR EZ-ZOR/RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – Attacks by the Islamic State group (ISIS) have increased in eastern Syria, with multiple incidents reported this week in the governorates of Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa, military and security sources said on Wednesday.
A military source from Division 86 in Deir ez-Zor told North Press that ISIS militants carried out four attacks targeting the security forces of the transitional government in the eastern countryside of the governorate.
The source said that two simultaneous attacks targeted a military vehicle and a military headquarters in the town of Susa, east of Deir ez-Zor. Intermittent clashes followed, with damage limited to material losses.
In the town of al-Dahla, militants attacked the al-Kou’ checkpoint at the town’s entrance using machine guns, without reports of casualties.
In a separate incident in Baghuz, ISIS militants targeted a government patrol passing along a main road, injuring one member of the patrol, the source added.
ISIS later claimed responsibility for the killing of Bilal al-Khedr, described as a member of the Ministry of Defense, in the town of Abu Kamal, shortly after the attack.
In a separate statement released through its affiliated Amaq agency, ISIS said its militants had carried out an “inghimasi” attack on a position of the security forces in the town of al-Sabahiya, west of Raqqa city.
The group claimed the attack killed four government personnel and wounded three others.
Raqqa’s Internal Security Commander, Colonel Rami al-Assad al-Taha, confirmed that four personnel were killed in two attacks targeting a checkpoint west of the city over the past two days.
He said security units subsequently launched operations that resulted in the killing of a cell leader and another member, the arrest of four others, and the seizure of weapons and ammunition.
The recent incidents come amid renewed calls by ISIS leadership to prioritize attacks against government forces in Syria.