SDF arrests senior ISIS cell leader in Tabqa with Coalition support
RAQQA, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on Tuesday the arrest of Ahmad Abdulqader al-Mousa, a senior leader of Islamic State (ISIS) cells, during a security operation in the city of Tabqa, northern Syria.
In a statement, the SDF said, “Our forces, with the support of the Global Coalition, carried out a precise security operation in the city of Tabqa, targeting the arrest of a dangerous leader of ISIS cells.”
According to the statement, the operation came after intensive surveillance of al-Mousa’s movements and activities within Tabqa. “Our forces monitored the terrorist’s activities and raided his hideout, successfully arresting him,” the SDF said.
The SDF identified al-Mousa as a native of Tabqa who had been actively involved in coordinating ISIS sleeper cell operations in the area. He allegedly oversaw the receipt and distribution of weapons and military equipment among “terrorist cells” and was responsible for gathering intelligence on SDF military points, the statement added.
During the raid, a quantity of weapons and hand grenades was seized, according to the SDF. The statement emphasized that the arrest of al-Mousa represents another step in the ongoing efforts by the SDF and the International Coalition to dismantle the remaining ISIS networks across northern and eastern Syria.
The SDF regularly conducts joint operations with the U.S.-led Coalition as part of its continued campaign to counter the resurgence of ISIS in regions once controlled by the group. These operations have focused on areas such as Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and Tabqa, where ISIS cells remain active despite significant territorial losses in recent years.