SDF arrests 34 in relation to ISIS activity in Raqqa

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) on Thursday announced the arrest of 34 people in relation to Islamic State (ISIS) activity during its most recent security operation in northeast Syria (Rojava).

Backed by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), the SDF conducted “large-scale sweeps and raids on Wednesday morning in specific areas in the western countryside of Raqqa,” read a statement from the SDF. 

The forces targeted an ISIS cell in the area, arresting four suspected members of the cell, as well as 30 other suspects that provided “logistical support and shelter.”

The city of Raqqa served as the de facto capital of ISIS when the group controlled parts of Syria in 2014. It was subjected to heavy aerial and ground offensives in the battle to liberate the city. 

The forces also seized weapons, ammunition, and military uniforms found with the cell.

ISIS seized control of large swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014. The last of its so-called caliphate was defeated in Syria in 2019, but the group remains a threat on both sides of the border, particularly in Deir ez-Zor, which is controlled by both the SDF and regime forces.

The SDF frequently conducts security operations against ISIS militants. The force launched 34 operations against the group in the first half of this year, in which 245 suspects were arrested and three others were killed. 

Many of the operations have been focused in the border areas where in late June they arrested 22 ISIS suspects, and 24 across 53 locations in late May.