10/07/2025

Security operations in North and East Syria target ISIS terrorists and sleeper cells

HASAKAH, RAQQA, North and East Syria – Amid increasing ISIS terrorists activity across various parts of Syria, security and military forces in the Democratic Autonomous Administration of the Region of North and East Syria (DAARNES), supported by the International Coalition, continue their operations to track down ISIS terrorists and their sleeper cells in a bid to ensure the region’s security and stability.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced that its military operation units, with the support of the International Coalition, had carried out a security operation against ISIS mercenaries in al-Hol Camp, east of Hasakah, resulting in the arrest of two key leaders.

In a statement published on Thursday, the SDF revealed that the identities of the two captured ISIS leaders had been confirmed. They were identified as Mahmoud Safi al-Awal, also known as “Abu al-Bara’a,” and Abdul Razzaq Mahmoud al-Salama, known as “Abu Abdul Rahman.”

The statement explained that Mahmoud is known as the “military prince (emir)” of ISIS inside the camp, where he had been carrying out terrorist operations and was involved in smuggling people and weapons in and out of the camp.

It also noted that the other mercenary, Abdul Razzaq, was a senior figure known as the “Sharia official” of the terrorist group inside the camp. He was tasked with recruiting children and delivering so-called “Sharia lessons,” indoctrinating them with ISIS ideology.

According to the statement, the forces also seized three smartphones in their possession, which they used to communicate with their commanders in areas under Turkish occupation.

In a related context, the Internal Security Forces announced on Tuesday the arrest of four ISIS mercenaries during a security operation in the city of Raqqa in northeastern Syria.

In an official statement, the Internal Security Forces clarified that their special units, in coordination with the General Security Directorate in Raqqa, had conducted a precise security operation that resulted in the detention of four ISIS operatives who had been carrying out sabotage activities aimed at destabilizing the region.

The statement emphasized that this operation is part of ongoing efforts to pursue ISIS cells, thwart their attempts to reorganize, and ensure the safety and stability of North and East Syria.