SDF Reinforces Counterterrorism Measures in Deir ez-Zor, Signals Readiness to Defeat ISIS

A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) patrol during a counter-ISIS operation in Deir ez-Zor, North Press.
A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) patrol during a counter-ISIS operation in Deir ez-Zor, North Press.

By Kardo Roj

HASAKAH, Syria (North Press) – The Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) confirmed on Wednesday that its local partner in Syria, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), remains “fully prepared” to defeat remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) amid heightened threats in Deir ez-Zor.

The statement follows a series of coordinated operations by the SDF targeting ISIS sleeper cells in northeast Syria, particularly in areas known for recurrent militant activity.

On Tuesday, the SDF announced it had intensified its counterterrorism efforts in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, reaffirming its commitment to neutralizing the lingering threat posed by ISIS elements still operating covertly across the region.

“Despite ongoing threats from remaining ISIS cells in Deir ez-Zor, our Syrian partner forces remain on alert and ready,” CJTF-OIR stated via the platform X. “The SDF stands prepared to defeat ISIS.”

ISIS, though territorially defeated in 2019, continues to pose a threat through clandestine networks and sporadic attacks, especially in vulnerable rural pockets of eastern Syria. Deir ez-Zor remains a focal point for such activity due to its complex tribal dynamics and proximity to porous border areas.

The SDF, the primary partner of the US-led Global Coalition against ISIS in Syria, continues to conduct joint operations and intelligence-sharing efforts. This cooperation has been instrumental in limiting the mobility and operational capacity of ISIS remnants in the region.

Beyond military operations, the SDF and the AANES continue efforts to improve stability in Deir ez-Zor through local governance and reconciliation initiatives. These measures are aimed at reducing the social and economic conditions that often fuel recruitment into extremist groups.

However, the region remains under pressure from multiple fronts, including Turkish threats along the northern borders and tensions with Syrian government-aligned forces west of the Euphrates. Amid these challenges, the SDF’s focus on internal security underscores its dual role as both a military and stabilizing actor in northeast Syria.