An ISIS militant captured by SDF special forces, along with the weapons cache that was discovered.
As Syria continues its gradual journey toward reconstruction, recovery, and a lasting political settlement between its governing entities, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) remain engaged in an ongoing fight against terrorist elements—particularly the Islamic State (ISIS).
On July 1, 2025, unidentified gunmen launched an attack on a checkpoint jointly manned by the SDF and the Internal Security Forces of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). The ambush occurred in the Deir ez-Zor countryside, near the outskirts of Shuhail—a town long plagued by instability and recurring ISIS activity targeting both security personnel and civilians.
Just two days earlier, ISIS militants attacked a prominent local oil investor after he refused to pay the so-called zakat tax the group attempts to impose on civilians in areas where it remains active.
These attacks underscore ISIS’s continued efforts not only to strike at security forces but also to undermine stability and deter economic development in the region.
In an interview with North Press, SDF commander Mahmoud Habib of the Northern Democratic Brigade highlighted the increasing movements of ISIS sleeper cells across northeastern Syria—particularly near the Iraqi border and in the rural areas of Raqqa.
He stressed the critical importance of maintaining the SDF–U.S. partnership, especially the ongoing coordination and joint training operations that remain key to containing ISIS resurgence.