SDF arrests 79 ISIS mercenaries in October operations

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) carried out six security operations against ISIS mercenary cells during October, resulting in the arrest of 79 mercenaries, including two cell leaders. Large quantities of weapons, ammunition, and explosives were also seized. The operations came in response to increasing ISIS cell activities across North and East Syria.

4 November, 2025 06:55

NEWS DESK

The SDF and Internal Security Forces continue to pursue ISIS cells within the region of North and East Syria. Their operations during October led to the arrest of dozens of ISIS members. The following are the details:

October 1: The SDF foiled a planned attack by an ISIS cell in the village of Al-Takihi in eastern Deir ez-Zor, arresting three members and seizing weapons and documents proving their affiliation with ISIS.

October 5: The SDF and Internal Security Forces arrested 71 mercenaries during a large-scale operation in the countryside of Ain Issa, specifically in and around the town of Al-Heisha. Large quantities of weapons, ammunition, and materials used for terrorist operations were confiscated.

October 16: The SDF’s Commando Forces, in coordination with the International Coalition, conducted two security operations in eastern Deir ez-Zor.

The first, in the village of Al-Breha near Al-Basira, led to the arrest of an ISIS member involved in attacks against military forces and civilians, along with the seizure of weapons and ammunition.

The second, in the village of Al-Sabha, resulted in the arrest of two ISIS members responsible for multiple attacks.

October 21: The SDF’s Tactical Operations Units (TOL), supported by the International Coalition, carried out an operation in Al-Tabqa, arresting ISIS cell leader Ahmad Abdul Qader Al-Mousa from Al-Tabqa. According to the SDF, he was responsible for managing weapons and equipment distribution among ISIS cells and monitoring SDF positions.

October 23: The SDF’s special operations units (TOL), again with Coalition support, conducted a raid in the town of Maskanah, east of Aleppo, arresting one of ISIS’s most prominent local leaders, Ahmad Khalaf Al-Hussein, a native of Maskanah.

In total, the SDF and Internal Security Forces conducted six security operations in October, resulting in the arrest of 79 individuals, including two ISIS cell leaders.

Since the beginning of 2025, the SDF and security forces have carried out 76 operations, arresting 174 individuals, including five leaders, and eliminating seven ISIS members, two of whom were leaders — according to official data and statements reviewed by ANHA Agency.

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ANHA