SDF: ISIS exploits chaos to reorganize itself

The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces issued a statement to the public today on the sixth anniversary of the liberation of Baghouz from ISIS mercenaries. The statement reads as follows:

"Today marks six years since the historic and strategic victory achieved by our forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), with the support of the International Coalition, over the terrorist organization ISIS in Baghouz, its last stronghold in Syria.

First, on this occasion, we honor all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives in all the campaigns launched by our forces to liberate our regions from the oppression of the organization. We also salute all our fighters who resisted its attacks with great dedication, supported by the steadfastness of our people, which created this great victory.

While the armies of major nations failed to confront the terrorist organization, our forces managed to defeat it and restore security and stability to the areas it had devastated with corruption, oppression, and destruction. This victory spared the world from its evil and terrorism and marked a decisive turning point in the ongoing battle against the organization, as the remnants of ISIS cells continue to pose a constant threat to the security and stability of North and East Syria. This requires further efforts and regional and international intelligence and security cooperation to prevent its resurgence.

Despite the fact that our forces have continued to deliver blow after blow to ISIS cells, conducting ongoing security and military operations over the past years, our forces have successfully dismantled hundreds of cells and captured prominent leaders and members of the organization, including during the prison rebellion in al-Sina'a Prison.

At the same time, the terrorist organization is attempting to exploit circumstances to revive itself. It benefits from the attacks launched by the Turkish occupying state and its mercenaries on our areas. It has also resumed its terrorist activities following the collapse of the former Syrian regime, managing to acquire more weapons and equipment while expanding the scope of its terrorist operations. ISIS always thrives in an environment of chaos, vacuum, and instability.

Furthermore, the fate of thousands of imprisoned ISIS members, many of whom are foreign nationals, remains a major challenge that requires a solution and international cooperation. This includes the establishment of an international tribunal to ensure fair trials and the development of long-term strategies to prevent the spread of extremist ideology, alongside ensuring justice for the victims of ISIS’s atrocities.

International support remains crucial in the ongoing battle against the terrorist organization. Since its threat extends globally, sustained political and military backing is necessary to prevent ISIS from exploiting instability in Syria and reorganizing itself. The security of the region and the world at large is closely tied to preventing the resurgence of ISIS.

Once again, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing the fight against terrorism and ensuring a peaceful, secure, and stable future for the people of this region. This is part of a local and international battle against ISIS. On this occasion, we urge our partners and the international community to stand with us in this fight to establish lasting security and peace and to achieve justice."

A-H

ANHA