ISIS Attack Kills Five Kurdish Fighters in Eastern Syria

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack that killed five Kurdish fighters in Syria’s eastern Deir Ezzor province, according to the group’s official news agency.

Farhad Shami, spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), confirmed the incident to Reuters, describing it as “one of the deadliest attacks against SDF forces in recent months.” He emphasized the ongoing security challenges faced by Kurdish-led forces in the region.

Deir Ezzor, once a stronghold of ISIS, was captured by the group in 2014 during its rapid territorial expansion. However, Syrian government forces, supported by allies, reclaimed the city in 2017.

ISIS, which at its height controlled vast swathes of Syria and Iraq, saw its so-called “caliphate” collapse following a series of military defeats. Former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the caliphate in 2014 but was later killed in a U.S. special forces raid in 2019 in northwest Syria.

Despite its territorial losses, ISIS continues to attempt a resurgence across the Middle East, Western nations, and parts of Asia, launching sporadic attacks and insurgency operations.

The SDF, backed by the U.S.-led coalition, remains a critical force in the fight against ISIS remnants in northeastern Syria. Authorities have warned that while ISIS has been weakened, its threat persists through underground networks and sleeper cells.

Security measures have been heightened across Deir Ezzor following Monday’s deadly attack as Kurdish forces vow to pursue the militants responsible.