25 ISIS attacks in August across NE Syria met with 7 deterrent operations

The SDF’s media center reported increased activity by ISIS cells, particularly in the rural areas of Deir ez-Zor, targeting military, security, and civilian positions. Notable incidents include:

1 August: ISIS targeted an Internal Security checkpoint in Hawij Dhiban, Deir ez-Zor countryside; no casualties reported.

2 August: ISIS attack in Al-Shahfa, Hajin district, killed a school principal.

3 August: Armed assault in Darnaj, Deir ez-Zor countryside, killed a civilian.

5 August: Three Internal Security members wounded in Abriha after their vehicle was targeted.

6 August: Multiple attacks:

Attack on a checkpoint in Al-Attal roundabout (Busayrah–Shahil area) repelled, no casualties.

Vehicle of SDF in Al-Jniniya targeted, only material damage.

Two SDF fighters martyred in Bahra, Hajin district.

8 August: SDF fighter martyred in Al-Jarzah.

10 August: ISIS attacked a military post in Al-Zir village; clashes ensued, no casualties.

11 August: ISIS targeted a self-defense force vehicle in Muhamida using a motorcycle; no casualties.

14 August: SDF member martyred near Tayma, southern Al-Hasakah countryside.

15 August: ISIS planted a sound bomb in a truck in Al-Jarzah after owner refused to pay “tax”; no casualties.

16 August: Tribal leader and his wife martyred by ISIS in Azman Dabis.

18 August: ISIS fired RPGs at an Internal Security checkpoint in Al-Bajariya, Qamishli countryside; no casualties.

18 August: ISIS attacked a military post in Dhiban; no casualties.

19 August: ISIS targeted an Internal Security checkpoint in Al-Sabha, Deir ez-Zor; no casualties.

21 August: SDF fighter martyred in Al-Jarzah by direct gunfire.

24 August: Former SDF leader assassinated by ISIS in Al-Jarzah.

25 August: Body of Asayish member found shot near Al-Abtakh, Hasakah countryside.

26 August: Two SDF fighters martyred in Azman Dabis and Al-Hissan, Deir ez-Zor countryside.

28 August: ISIS fired a rocket at commercial shops in Jamma village; material damage only.

29 August: ISIS attacked SDF checkpoint in Dhiban; no casualties.

30 August: ISIS attacked a military checkpoint in Al-Hawayij, Deir ez-Zor; no confirmed casualties.

31 August: SDF post in Raqqa countryside attacked; 2 ISIS mercenaries killed, 3 SDF fighters injured.

Cumulative Impact:

The 25 attacks in August increased the total number of ISIS assaults in NE Syria to 157, most occurring in Deir ez-Zor countryside.

Counter-Operations by SDF and Internal Security:

7 August: SDF TOL units arrested two ISIS mercenaries near Hawij Dhiban.

9 August: Two ISIS mercenaries arrested in Al-Hol, Hasakah, including “Abu Saif” (Saad Makhlouf Al-Hussi) and Muhammad Shakir Makhlouf.

16 August: Deir ez-Zor Military Council, with YPJ, captured 12 suspected ISIS gangs in Granij, Deir ez-Zor.

21 August: Internal Security Forces killed 3 ISIS mercenaries at Raqqa government complex after gunfire exchange.

On 22 August, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured a key ISIS sleeper cell leader in Hasakah countryside, associated with the so-called “Abu Dajana” cell. The militant, Abdulrahman Ali Khadr, also known as “Aboudi Asala,” was apprehended during a targeted operation in Dhiba village near Hasakah.

29 August: Deir ez-Zor Military Council arrested two ISIS mercenaries in Dhiban, eastern Deir ez-Zor.

30 August: In a large-scale operation named “Permanent Security of the People,” SDF, Internal Security Forces, and YPJ units arrested 51 ISIS mercenaries in Hasakah city.

Overall, the seven counter-operations in August resulted in:

3 ISIS mercenaries eliminated

74 ISIS mercenaries arrested, including the cell leader “Aboudi Asala”

Since the beginning of the year, SDF and Internal Security Forces have conducted 67 operations against ISIS cells, resulting in the capture of 138 mercenaries, including 4 leaders, and the elimination of 9 others, according to official reports and Agency data.

ANHA