On May 3, 2024, a joint operation against ISIS sleeper cells was carried out by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), Counter-Terrorism Units, and YAT Commando Forces in eastern Raqqa city.

“According to the information and documents obtained, ISIS cells were preparing for a major attack in Raqqa city. As a result of this joint operation, the plot of these ISIS cells was thwarted, and 4 of its members were arrested,” said the Media Center of the YPJ.

Since the destruction of the last enclave of its proclaimed "caliphate" five years ago, ISIS has continued to have sleeper cells and is very active in Syria. Last Friday, several people were killed and injured in an attack on a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) base in Deir ez-Zor. In March, two security guards were killed in an armed attack on an administrative building of the military council in Raqqa.

Raqqa was considered the capital of the self-proclaimed ISIS caliphate and was liberated by the SDF in 2017. The YPJ played a key role in the liberation offensive, which resulted in high casualties. The fight against ISIS in northern and eastern Syria has claimed over 11,000 lives and almost twice as many casualties.