BAGHOUZ, Syria — The town of Baghouz, eastern Syria was freed from the Islamic State (ISIS) two years ago, but former residents are reluctant to return.

Baghouz lacks basic services, like running water and electricity. Many of its buildings lie in ruins.

"Due to the political situation in Syria, people are not returning to reconstruct their houses," said Baghouz chieftain Salim Khalaf.

"A total of 650 houses were completely destroyed during the fight to recapture Baghouz [from ISIS]. Another 2,000 households were damaged. Only 1,000 houses remained intact and did not see destruction," he added.

Most of the town's residents fled ISIS rule, seeking refuge elsewhere in Syria or abroad.

Those who have returned to the town struggle to get by.

"I have eight family members abroad who send me money because I don't have a job here," said Baghouz resident Mohammed al-Tamih. "I live off of the aid they send me."

Though ISIS was territorially defeated in Syria back in March 2019, locals and the Kurdish-led security forces still fear attacks by ISIS remnants.

ISIS has maintained a presence in the area, where it says it conducts near-daily attacks.

The SDF and its coalition allies are on the hunt for what remains of the extremist group.

"The ideology of the group still lives on," local security official Siyamand Ali told Rudaw.

Rudaw