60 operations against ISIS carried out

In an interview with our agency (ANHA), Rohlat Afrin answered questions about the growing concerns regarding the resurgence of ISIS cells in North an East Syria, as well as other parts of Syria, and the ongoing efforts against these cells.

In recent times, ISIS cells have escalated attacks in North and East Syria. What does this escalation signify?

Since the collapse of the Ba'ath regime, Syria has been in a state of chaos and instability, which ISIS cells have exploited to increase their movements and attempt to reorganize, spreading chaos within our society and across Syria. This threat not only endangers Syria and North and East Syria, but also all the people of the region.

How do ISIS cells reorganize, and what methods do they employ?

Although ISIS was geographically defeated in 2019, it cannot be said that it has ended entirely. Their methods of reorganizing have become more sophisticated, and their activity has increased under a religious guise, reflecting a more extreme form of their ideology.

They view the chaos in Syria as an opportunity to exploit, and they have done so effectively. In recent months, they have planted mines, attacked our forces, and committed crimes under different names.

Their goal is to infiltrate society, spread chaos, and manipulate the minds of the people through both covert and overt methods, with some attacks becoming open and direct.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are carrying out operations against mercenaries’ movements. What is the impact of these operations and how are their results evident?

Since the beginning of 2025, the SDF has carried out approximately 60 operations in areas such as Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Hasakah. Thanks to intelligence gathering, surveillance, and the execution of operations, many attacks targeting camps and prisons have been thwarted.
Six mercenaries were killed in these operations, and 64 individuals were arrested, including three Seniors. Investigations revealed that they had been planning to exploit the political, military, and security chaos in Syria to further their objectives and expand their influence.

Where do these mercenaries come from, and how are they able to carry out these attacks?

The primary source of ISIS mercenaries is the Syrian desert region. Some of them cross the border illegally, while others organize themselves under different names and cross the border. Through interrogations of captured mercenaries, it became clear that many of them hail from countries that turn a blind eye to their actions.

The Syrian desert is the most dangerous area, as it is a stronghold for these mercenaries. Their threat extends beyond North and East Syria.
ISIS was also behind crimes in coastal regions and Sweida, which clearly show the nurturing and encouragement of extremist jihadist ideologies, alongside concerning attempts to provide legitimacy or justification for these mercenaries.

In addition to your resistance against the threat of ISIS and their attacks, what are the necessary needs, and is there any cooperation in this regard?

So far, there has been international cooperation in terms of logistical support for operations, but there is a need for increased support to effectively confront the attacks. Without cooperation, resistance against ISIS will not be successful. We have carried out many operations in collaboration with the International Coalition, and this cooperation will continue.

There are threats to the Syrian components, as we have clearly seen in coastal regions and Sweida. Therefore, cooperation must continue, and international forces should increase their support against ISIS.

There are thousands of ISIS mercenaries in prisons and camps. Do their movements currently pose a risk to these locations, and in terms of potential threats, how much support do international forces provide to you?

Regarding the security of the camps and prisons where ISIS mercenaries are held, if there is no cooperation from international forces, we will not be able to ensure the security of these sites with local forces alone. Any failure to secure these facilities could pose an even greater threat to all of Syria.
Many of the ISIS mercenaries in these camps and prisons are not Syrian; they come from various countries. This is not just a local issue but a global threat. If they are not prosecuted and returned to their home countries, this danger will persist in our region, Syria, and the world. Therefore, all responsible parties must take their obligations seriously.

To reduce threats and build peace in the region, what other efforts are you making?

Firstly, the protection of camps in North and East Syria will be strengthened.

Secondly, as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), along with the People's Defense Units (YPG) and Women's Protection Units (YPJ), we will thwart any attacks or plans by ISIS cells. Our efforts will focus on this, and in cooperation with the international coalition, we will carry out stronger and more effective operations.

In the face of the threat of ISIS's return, what is your message to the people of the region?

Everyone must realize that the Syrian Democratic Forces, the People's Defense Units, and the Women's Protection Units fought and defeated ISIS. To prevent this threat from returning and to prevent further attacks, it is essential that all parties in North and East Syria continue to provide their support.

Our message to the people of Syria is that this dangerous organization seeks to exploit the existing vacuum in Syria, and its victims will again be our own people. Therefore, we urge everyone to remain vigilant, and to participate within the framework of cooperation and shared responsibility.

ANHA