Commander in Internal Security reveals increased activity of ISIS in recent period 

The Syrian arena has recently witnessed increased activity of ISIS mercenary cells in the region, which have targeted civilians, Internal Security Forces, and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). 

 Over the past four months, the Internal Security Forces in Deir ez-Zor, in coordination with the SDF and the international coalition, have carried out several security operations targeting ISIS mercenary cells in the city, resulting in the arrest of numerous mercenaries and their leaders. 

 Last month, the SDF announced the execution of several high-quality operations against ISIS mercenary cells, leading to the arrest of a number of ISIS leaders in Deir ez-Zor, including the mercenary known as "Hammoud Abdullah al-Khatib," nicknamed "Abu Zakariya," and the mercenary "Khalid Mrabet Obeid," nicknamed "Abu Omar." 

 Additionally, on April 14, the forces announced the execution of a precise security operation in Raqqa Canton, resulting in the dismantling of an ISIS cell that was planning a large-scale attack on one of the prisons holding ISIS mercenaries. 

 Regarding the increased activity of ISIS mercenary cells in Deir ez-Zor province, the General Administration of the Internal Security Forces explained that "since the fall of the previous regime and the subsequent security collapse, along with the withdrawal of the former regime's security checkpoints and outposts, a large-scale security vacuum has emerged in Deir ez-Zor, especially in areas west of the Euphrates—from Manbij in the west to Al-Bukamal in the east, extending into the Syrian desert. This has facilitated the movement of ISIS cells and their ability to obtain supplies through borders and illegal crossings." 

 Mahmoud al-Khalouf, the leader in the Internal Security Forces, confirmed in a statement to ANHA Agency that the Internal Security Forces in Deir ez-Zor have swiftly taken on their duty to protect the people by tightening security measures. This includes reinforcing security presence at crossings, scrutinizing arrivals in NE Syria, and conducting round-the-clock patrols to enhance security and prevent any breaches by ISIS cells in the region. 

 Al-Khalouf added, "Over the past four months, our forces have carried out several security operations to pursue ISIS mercenary cells, resulting in the arrest of many mercenaries and leaders who had been hiding for years, as well as those operating outside our control with external support and funding." 

 On May 7, one of the Internal Security Forces' centers in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor came under attack by ISIS mercenary cells, and the forces confirmed they had retaliated against the attackers. 

 Al-Khalouf called on the residents of Deir ez-Zor  to cooperate and share information with security forces to curb ISIS attacks by reporting any suspicious movements threatening security and stability and terrorizing civilians. 

 a.k

ANHA