SDF, Coalition forces capture 5 ISIS suspects in Deir ez-Zor operation
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the U.S.-led Global Coalition, captured late on Wednesday five individuals accused of belonging to the Islamic State (ISIS) cells during a joint security operation in the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria.
A military source in Deir ez-Zor told North Press that the operation, which included aerial surveillance and support from drones and helicopters, targeted several neighborhoods in the town of Gharanij, including al-Suma’a, al-Huwaish, and al-Fares.
According to the source, two wanted men in the al-Huwaish neighborhood attempted to escape. One was wounded by gunfire, while the other was killed during the pursuit. The remaining four suspects were arrested in separate raids across the area.
The source added that the security forces seized weapons and ammunition found in the possession of the detainees.
The SDF, in coordination with the Global Coalition, continues to conduct regular operations in Deir ez-Zor to dismantle ISIS sleeper cells and curb their efforts to regroup in the region.
Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2019, the group maintains an active presence in Syria’s Deir ez-Zor and Raqqa regions, launching sporadic attacks against SDF and Coalition forces.
The SDF regularly conducts joint raids with Coalition support to neutralize ISIS remnants operating in rural areas, where the group exploits tribal tensions and economic instability to rebuild its networks.