Asayish arrest dozens in major security campaign in Deir ez-Zor
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – The Internal Security Forces of North and East Syria (Asayish) arrested dozens of individuals during a large-scale security operation over the past three days in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, a source said on Thursday.
An officer involved in the operation told North Press that the campaign was launched following intelligence reports of heightened activity of Islamic State (ISIS) cells in the seven villages east of the Euphrates River.
He stated that those arrested are suspected of collaborating with ISIS or the Syrian government and Iranian-backed militias.
The villages of al-Hussainiyah, al-Salihiyah, Hatla, Marrat, Mazloum, Khsham, and al-Tabiyyah had been under the control of the Syrian government forces and Iranian-backed militias since the expulsion of ISIS in late 2017. The area served as a strategic base for Iranian militias to launch attacks on military installations east of the Euphrates.
Previously, these villages were the only territory held by Iranian-backed militias and the Syrian government east of the river. However, at the end of 2024, the Deir ez-Zor Military Council of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), took over security responsibilities for the region.
The officer confirmed that all detainees have been transferred to the Public Prosecution and relevant authorities for legal proceedings.