Three members of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were killed on Monday evening in a car bomb explosion in Hasaka city, located in northeast Syria, according to local security sources. The explosion took place in the al-Salihiya neighborhood near the city’s water department, targeting a vehicle occupied by the SDF fighters. All three were killed instantly, according to a statement released Tuesday by Rojava's internal security forces, known as Asayish.

The Asayish reported that the explosive device, likely activated remotely, was planted by "hostile parties" in an effort to disrupt ongoing security operations in the region. Among the victims were two veterans who had previously fought in the battle against the Islamic State (ISIS), which lost its territorial control in Syria in 2019.

The incident occurs amid a broader SDF-led campaign against ISIS operatives, particularly within Hasaka's al-Hol camp. The notorious camp houses individuals with alleged ISIS links and is often described as a hub for extremist activity. Security forces have launched an investigation into Monday's bombing as part of ongoing efforts to counter ISIS’s resurgence in the area.

Despite its territorial defeat five years ago, ISIS continues to launch attacks in both Syria and Iraq. The SDF, which played a crucial role in dismantling ISIS's territorial presence, remains engaged in security operations to prevent ISIS from regrouping, responding to a persistent threat that includes hit-and-run attacks, bombings, and kidnappings in the region.