The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported on Friday that they engaged in clashes with Islamic State (ISIS) sleeper cells in Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zor province, with air support from the U.S.-led global coalition. The SDF stated that the operation targeted ISIS cells attempting to infiltrate from the western bank of the Euphrates River to the eastern countryside of Deir ez-Zor, resulting in casualties among the militants.

ISIS, which lost its territorial control in 2019, has recently sought to exploit the unstable security situation in Syria, particularly following the decline of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The SDF, which governs northeast Syria (Rojava), has been actively working to prevent the militant group from regaining a foothold in the region.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the SDF emphasized their ongoing efforts to counter ISIS, noting that they conducted nearly 100 operations against the group in 2024 alone. These operations led to the capture of over 270 suspects and the elimination of several high-ranking ISIS leaders.

However, the SDF faces a dual challenge. While battling ISIS in the east, they are also contending with a military offensive by Turkey and its allied militias in northern Syria. The SDF has warned that Turkey's actions are undermining their ability to effectively combat ISIS, further complicating the security landscape.

Meanwhile, in western Syria, clashes have erupted between security forces loyal to the Damascus government and armed groups aligned with ousted president Bashar al-Assad, resulting in dozens of casualties. In the south, tensions have also escalated, with Israel threatening military action to protect Druze communities amid recent violence.

The situation in Syria remains volatile, with multiple fronts of conflict and competing interests exacerbating the humanitarian and security crises in the region. The SDF's ongoing efforts to counter ISIS highlight the persistent threat posed by the militant group, even as broader regional tensions continue to unfold.