SDF arrests 24 ISIS suspects, confiscates weapons in Deir ez-Zor

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced Monday the arrest of 24 suspected members of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, confiscating weapons as well.

“The operation was launched on the basis of residents’ appeals after an increase in terrorist operations of Daesh [ISIS] and other parties which targeted the chieftains and dignitaries of the region, employees of service institutions and scientific staff,” the SDF said in a statement.

The campaign was launched on Sunday, leading to the arrest of 24 suspected members of ISIS, it added, across 53 locations – including IDP camps “exploited by Daesh terrorists to hide, manufacture IEDs and recruit terrorists.”

Some of those arrested were involved in the recent assassination of a local SDF in the province, the force said. The leader was shot dead by two gunmen on a motorbike earlier this month. Others arrested include militants who had carried out terrorist attacks during the three days of Eid al-Fitr. 

“The forces also confiscated a large number of hand grenades, Kalashnikovs, sharp metal weapons, satellite communications equipment, identification papers and diagrams for some terrorist operations, as well as various military uniforms and narcotic drugs,” said the multi-ethnic SDF.

ISIS controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria in 2014 but was territorially defeated in 2017 and 2019 respectively. However, it still remains a threat to both countries, especially in border areas.

The SDF has carried out several military operations on the Iraq-Syria border against the group, with the latest one taking place on May 9. Despite coordination and cooperation between the SDF and the Iraqi army, ISIS has been able to smuggle fighters and weapons through the border in recent years.

The Pentagon stated in its latest quarterly report on anti-ISIS operations that the SDF had conducted 51 unilateral and partnered corporations against ISIS between January 1 to March 31, “prioritizing the capture of ISIS weapons facilitators and smugglers.”