Two ISIS cell suspects arrested in Deir ez-Zor region

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Internal Security Forces (known as Asayish in Kurdish) of northeastern Syria on Sunday said it had arrested two suspected ISIS members in the Deir ez-Zor with support from the US-led Coalition.

The arrest follows an investigation into ISIS cells by the Asayish, which have been actively targeting both security forces and civilians in Deir ez-Zor.

The statement also urged civilians to report any suspicious movements to their nearest Asayish checkpoint.

Apart from ISIS cells, the Asayish and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also stepped up arrest campaigns against persons suspected of working with Damascus-backed tribal forces.

Syrian government-backed insurgent groups have continued to attack SDF forces in Deir ez-Zor since August, after the SDF arrested Abu Khawla, the former dismissed head of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council, leading to skirmishes between the SDF and rival forces.

Tribal leader Sheikh Ibrahim al-Hifl has pledged to persist in attacks against SDF forces. The SDF alleges that al-Hifl is supported by Damascus.

Moreover, on Saturday, the Asayish reportedly targeted a cell supported by the Syrian government in an operation in Deir ez-Zor, resulting in one fatality and one individual being captured alive.

As a result, Deir ez-Zor is currently experiencing instability from both ISIS cells and groups with ties to Damascus.