Kurdish Forces SDF Repel ISIS Assault in Eastern Syria’s Deir ez-Zor
By Kardo Roj
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) –
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Wednesday that they successfully repelled an attack by Islamic State (ISIS) cells targeting one of their security positions in the town of Granij, located in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, amid escalating activity by the extremist group in the region.
The attempted assault comes just days after a deadly ISIS ambush in western Deir ez-Zor claimed the lives of five SDF fighters, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the group’s remnants across Syria’s eastern territories.
In an official statement released on social media, the SDF confirmed that “our forces countered a terrorist attack carried out by ISIS cells on one of our security points in Granij.” The statement noted that after intense clashes, the attackers were forced to retreat, leaving behind weapons and ammunition.
Eyewitnesses from the town, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, reported hearing sustained gunfire overnight. According to local residents, the swift response of SDF units likely prevented civilian casualties in the residential vicinity of the outpost.
The SDF added that several ISIS militants were wounded during the exchange, though no further details on their identities or affiliations were disclosed.
Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2019, sleeper cells remain active, particularly in the desert areas and rural towns of Deir ez-Zor. These cells have continued to exploit instability and security gaps to carry out assassinations, ambushes, and attacks on infrastructure and security forces.
Granij, located near the Euphrates River, is among several towns where SDF units regularly conduct patrols and joint operations with the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The area’s complex tribal and political dynamics, coupled with porous desert borders, have made it a recurring hotspot for extremist activity.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which governs large parts of Deir ez-Zor in partnership with the SDF, has repeatedly warned of an ISIS resurgence. Officials emphasize the importance of sustained international support to maintain counterterrorism efforts and stability in liberated regions.
Over the past months, the SDF has stepped up raids and security sweeps in coordination with Coalition forces, particularly targeting smuggling routes and suspected hideouts. In several publicized operations, weapons caches and communication equipment believed to belong to ISIS operatives have been seized.
While the SDF continues to bear the brunt of the ground fight against ISIS in Syria, international assistance remains a critical component in intelligence sharing, air support, and training.
The resurgence of ISIS cells in eastern Syria poses not only a threat to local stability but also carries broader implications for regional and international security. Deir ez-Zor’s strategic location near Iraq and proximity to contested oil fields has long made it a target for militant operations and proxy rivalries.
Continued ISIS activity also highlights the ongoing challenges in post-conflict stabilization, particularly in areas still recovering from years of occupation, displacement, and economic hardship.