Joint US-SDF operation captures key ISIS operative amid rising terror activity in North and East Syria

RAQQA, North and East Syria — In a coordinated air insertion operation, the US-led International Coalition and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) apprehended a senior Islamic State (ISIS) operative in the town of Al-Karama, east of Raqqa. The arrest follows an extensive surveillance campaign targeting the individual, who is believed to have played a critical role in supplying weapons and explosives to ISIS sleeper cells across the region.

The operation comes amid a concerning increase in ISIS activity in North and East Syria. On 18 June, two ISIS militants ambushed an SDF vehicle in the town of Al-Muheymida in western Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor), killing one fighter in a targeted attack.

Since January, ISIS has conducted at least 112 attacks and bombings in areas under the governance of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES). Analysts attribute the growing security challenges to a partial redeployment of US forces to other parts of the Middle East amidst the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.

In response, Coalition and SDF forces have ramped up counterterrorism operations. The Al-Karama raid follows the capture of two ISIS operatives in Al-Mansoura, west of Raqqa, and four additional suspects detained in the Al-Yarmouk neighborhood.

The detainees are accused of orchestrating attacks on local security forces and coordinating the transport of arms to active cells across eastern Syria.

To reinforce security, intensified patrols have been launched throughout the Raqqa region. An SDF spokesperson reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to eradicating ISIS remnants, warning that unchecked instability could enable the group’s resurgence.

“The campaign against ISIS will continue without pause,” the spokesperson stated, underscoring the importance of sustained vigilance in securing the region.