SDF Claims Arrest of 40 ISIS Members in al-Hasakah

SDF Claims Arrest of 40 ISIS Members in al-Hasakah
November 7, 2024, 12:20 pm

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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alleged the conclusion of combing operations under what they termed the "Permanent Security" operation in the countryside of al-Hol city in northeastern Syria, which—according to their claims—aims to eliminate ISIS cells.

The SDF reported that it had completed combing operations in the northern countryside and extensive areas of the southern countryside, extending to border areas with Iraq. The operation resulted in "clashes with two terrorist cells, during which one member was killed and another injured, and 40 members were arrested, in addition to seizing weapons and ammunition," as announced on their official website.

This announcement comes as part of the SDF's attempts to present itself as an effective force in the fight against terrorism, especially following terrorist attacks such as the stabbing incident in Germany, claimed by ISIS, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

Political analyst Samer al-Ahmad told Syria TV that the SDF seeks to highlight its security activities as a means of pressure and to gain support, especially after its failure to conduct elections that it aimed to use to strengthen its legitimacy in northeastern Syria.

Al-Ahmad pointed out that the SDF is working to link its security operations to global terrorist events, presenting itself as a necessary security barrier that protects regional and international interests.

Conversely, researcher Amer al-Abdallah notes that some criticisms are directed at the SDF regarding its exploitation of security operations to strengthen its grip on the region, as some of its leaders have been accused of collusion with ISIS members to achieve political and security interests. Al-Abdallah affirmed in his conversation with Syria TV that there are areas in southern al-Hasakah and the Deir ez-Zor countryside that the SDF has not fully controlled, allowing the organization to operate there, which the SDF later exploited to carry out raids and arrests.

In a related context, Bassam Ishaq, representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the SDF, stated in remarks to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that what they hear from American officials from both parties has not gone beyond "verbal promises." He added that caution is the prevailing sentiment following Trump's victory, indicating that the SDF is waiting to understand the new president's plans regarding northeastern Syria and the future of the approximately 900 U.S. troops, especially since Trump had ordered their withdrawal in 2019 before halting that decision under pressure from his advisors and the Pentagon.

Ishaq also noted that the situation remains unclear regarding how Trump will deal with Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, amid concerns that any potential deal between Washington and Ankara might come at the expense of the SDF.

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