SDF Captures Ten ISIS Militants in Syria’s Dayro Zcuro

DAYRO ZCURO, North and East Syria — The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the arrest of ten individuals accused of terrorism during a series of security operations in eastern Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), a region where ISIS sleeper cells remain active. 

According to a statement released by the SDF, the operations took place in the town of al-Busayrah, a known hotspot for ISIS activity in the eastern countryside of Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor). 

The SDF confirmed their involvement in what they described as a precise security operation aimed at dismantling remaining Islamic State (ISIS) cells in the region. The SDF’s media office stated that the arrests reflect their ongoing commitment to working alongside the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and to maintaining regional stability. “These operations are part of our broader effort to eliminate ISIS and prevent further attacks on civilians and our forces,” the statement said. 

Throughout the year, the SDF has conducted numerous raids against ISIS remnants, particularly in rural areas where the group has exploited the security vacuum. Just days prior to the arrests, SDF forces reportedly thwarted a planned attack in Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), foiling what could have been another deadly incident in the already volatile region. 

Earlier this month, one SDF fighter was killed and several civilians injured in an assault carried out by ISIS militants—underscoring the group’s enduring capacity for violence despite the collapse of its so-called caliphate in 2019. 

Though ISIS lost its territorial control nearly six years ago, the organization’s sleeper cells have persisted, launching ambushes and bombings across eastern Syria. Analysts warn that the lack of a comprehensive political solution in the region has created fertile ground for extremist groups to regroup and carry out attacks. 

The Global Coalition reiterated its continued support for the SDF in joint operations aimed at ensuring the “enduring defeat of ISIS.”