SDF arrest 15 ISIS suspects in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
SHADDADI, Syria (North Press) – Sayel Zawbaa, an official in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), said on Monday that their security apparatus arrested more than 15 ISIS sleeper agents who targeted tribal figures and SDF points in Deir ez-Zor, north Syria.
The Syrian government and Turkish-backed opposition groups took advantage of these developments, holding tribal meetings in each of their respective areas as well as issuing statements supporting a tribal uprising east of the Euphrates River and accusing the SDF of assassinating tribal leaders.
Zawbaa stated that the detainees confessed to working with ISIS as well as the Syrian and Iranian governments. They also admitted that Turkish-backed armed opposition groups are behind the assassinations and uprisings in the area.
In a special statement, Zawbaa, an official in the Shaddadi Military Council, told North Press that the suspects’ confessions will be posted on social media later.
Zawbaa did not say when the confessions would be published, adding that investigations are still ongoing. He further explained that the confessions meant that ISIS sleeper cells are still active in Deir ez-Zor.
“They re-activated after the Islamic State lost areas during battles against SDF and Global Coalition,” he added.
On August 4, unidentified gunmen attacked SDF points in Hawij town in the eastern Deir ez-Zor countryside after a demonstration in which protesters demanded the investigation into the assassination of a tribal leader.
Since the assassination of the Akidat tribe sheikh in late August, the SDF, civilians, soldiers, and leaders have been repeatedly assassinated and attacked. Meanwhile, areas in Deir ez-Zor witnessed several demonstrations by dozens displaced demanding the liberation of their villages from the control of government forces and Iranian militias.
In a previous statement, Ghasan Youssef, head of Deir ez-Zor Civil Council, told North Press that the strategic importance of the area and its natural resources make it an aim for external powers.
It is worth mentioning that northeastern Syria has witnessed ISIS activity tied to sleeper cells in the region, including a series of attacks. Moreover, the SDF repeatedly released a number of ISIS suspects under tribal guarantees.