ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out nearly 100 operations against the Islamic State (ISIS) in 2024, capturing more than 270 suspects and eliminating several of its high-ranking leaders, said the Kurdish-led force on Tuesday.
“These operations resulted in the capture of hundreds of terrorists, including high-ranking officials such as ‘emirs’ and leaders,” read a statement from the SDF, adding that these individuals were responsible for intelligence gathering, weapons distribution, and financial support to ISIS cells.
ISIS jihadists swept through large swathes of Syria in 2014. Despite their territorial defeat in 2019, bombings, hit-and-run attacks, and abductions attributed to the group are common.
After the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad last month, the US-led global coalition against ISIS and its main ally in Syria, the SDF, which controls northeast Syria (Rojava), have worked to prevent the militants from reestablishing their presence in the evolving security landscape.
The SDF also said it dismantled numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs), conducted sweeps targeting ISIS hideouts, and increased security measures in sensitive areas, including along the Syrian-Iraqi border and near the al-Hol camp, which houses tens of thousands of ISIS-linked individuals.
“The vigilance of our forces also led to the detection and neutralization of numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs), effectively preventing explosions and acts of sabotage,” the statement added.
The SDF reported a total of 98 operations in 2024, in which 17 ISIS militants, including six leaders, were killed. A further 278 were captured. The group also thwarted 43 planned ISIS attacks, though it acknowledged that 113 terrorist operations took place.
Despite these efforts, the SDF warned that ongoing threats from Turkey were undermining its ability to combat ISIS.
The SDF reaffirmed an “unwavering commitment to combating this terrorist organization and remain steadfast in their resolve to cooperate with the International Coalition forces in the fight against ISIS,” accusing Turkey of actions that facilitate the resurgence of ISIS cells and other extremist groups.
Turkey and the Syrian militants it supports have recently intensified attacks on the SDF near Manbij city, Kurdish officials have warned that the nearby Tishreen Dam could collapse if the attacks continue.
