The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have warned that the Islamic State (ISIS) is taking advantage of Syria’s nationwide chaos, which has intensified following a large-scale rebel offensive that has reversed years of government gains. Mazloum Abdi, head of the U.S.-backed SDF, stated on Friday that ISIS militants have increased their presence in the Syrian desert, particularly in areas south and west of Deir Ezzor and the countryside of al-Raqqa. In response, the SDF deployed fighters to secure the key eastern city of Deir Ezzor after pro-Assad forces reportedly withdrew from the area and handed it over to the SDF. Troops are now patrolling the streets of the heavily damaged city to maintain order.
#Syria: #SDF forces have seized control of the city of #DeirEzZor following the collapse of the #Assad regime.
Troops are patrolling the streets of the heavily damaged city. pic.twitter.com/W26sS5Inns
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) December 6, 2024
The SDF also announced full control of Hassakeh and Qamishlo after pro-government forces vacated their remaining positions in these areas. Celebrations reportedly erupted in Hassakeh as SDF forces took over the last government pockets in the city.
#Syria: fireworks and celebrations in #Hasakah following the city’s full liberation from the #Assad regime by the #SDF. pic.twitter.com/ZlhzILtFY5
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) December 6, 2024
However, tensions remain high as the Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) announced plans to launch a military operation against the SDF to expel what it called “PKK/YPG terrorist” from Manbij.
Meanwhile, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) advance appears to be closing in on Homs, a strategically vital city for control of central Syria. The rapid collapse of Assad’s regime forces in the east has created a vacuum that ISIS has exploited to reestablish its presence.
While the group’s caliphate was largely dismantled in past campaigns led by the SDF and Syrian government forces, ISIS remains active in desert areas and has continued its attacks both in Syria and abroad. Thousands of ISIS militants and their families are still held in SDF-run prisons across northeastern Syria, posing ongoing security challenges.
Sinam Mohamad, the Washington-based representative of the SDF-affiliated Syrian Democratic Council, told Newsweek that the group is deeply concerned about the security situation. “The dramatic collapse of the regime forces creates a vacuum that will certainly be exploited by the Islamic State organization ISIS, which still poses a threat to the region as a whole,” Mohamad said. She emphasized that the SDF remains committed to securing northeastern Syria and defending against ISIS while maintaining open communication channels with U.S. officials.
SDF spokesperson Farhad Shami echoed these concerns, citing ISIS’ increased movements in the Deir Ezzor desert and the growing presence of Turkish-backed groups. “The developments taking place in our homeland, Syria, pose a threat to the security of our people,” Shami said. He added that the SDF’s Deir Ezzor Military Council had mobilized to secure the city and areas west of the Euphrates River, prioritizing the safety of local populations.
The rebel offensive has triggered further instability in Kurdish-majority areas, particularly around Aleppo, Tel Rifaat, and al-Shibah, where the rebels have reportedly severed connections with SDF-held territory. In response, HTS’ political wing, the Syrian Salvation Government, issued a statement pledging to protect Kurdish communities under its control. Despite these assurances, large numbers of Kurdish residents have fled toward safer regions controlled by the SDF.
🇸🇾 A mass migration of Kurdish civilians is underway as they flee east of the Euphrates, following the capture of their cities by the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. pic.twitter.com/Vu60ywAUCi
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) December 2, 2024
