Internal Security Forces: ISIS exploits conditions in Syria to recruit new mercenaries

Over the past eight months, Deir ez-Zor canton has faced significant challenges amid a surge in activity by ISIS mercenary cells. These challenges included targeting members of the Internal Security Forces and fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces, as well as attacks on several military checkpoints across the canton.

Mahmoud al-Hussein from the Internal Security Forces’ administration in Deir ez-Zor told ANHA agency that ISIS mercenary cells exploited the general situation in Syria, particularly the instability witnessed in Deir ez-Zor to launch attacks against security centers and checkpoints, aiming to destabilize the region.

Al-Hussein pointed out two main aspects of these cells’ activities: one faction is organized and working on rebuilding the ISIS organization, while the other engages in intermittent destabilization efforts, focusing on recruiting new members in the area.

He affirmed that the Internal Security Forces and military units have been continuously confronting these attacks, responding swiftly to operations conducted by the organization’s cells. These confrontations have resulted in casualties among the forces, including martyrs and wounded personnel.

In a related context, Al-Hussein announced that, following precise monitoring and tracking operations, their forces successfully seized quantities of weapons and arrested several cells active within Deir ez-Zor.

He added that these weapons described as “not advanced but rather individual firearms” were part of the previous regime’s stockpiles left behind, which ISIS cells managed to access and use against the forces. These seized weapons and cells will be publicly displayed in the coming days.

Al-Hussein praised the cooperation of local residents with the Internal Security Forces by reporting any suspicious movements. He issued a call to all residents of Deir ez-Zor to collaborate closely with security and military forces upon witnessing any activities related to these cells, emphasizing that such cooperation is a fundamental pillar in the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability in the canton.

ANHA