The Internal Security Forces (ISF) in the autonomous region of North-East Syria has reported the arrest of a member of ISIS. The ISF announced late on Sunday evening that the man had been arrested north of Deir ez-Zor and was now in custody. Accordingly, he was involved in acts of sabotage against the infrastructure in the region.

The arrest of the suspect was carried out by the anti-terrorism unit of the ISF on Friday. As part of the search measures, a large amount of evidence was secured that still needs to be further evaluated. Troops from the international anti-ISIS coalition supported the operation.

With the overthrow of the Assad regime by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the simultaneous occupation offensive by Turkey and its jihadist proxy force SNA (Syrian National Army) against the areas of North-East Syria, ISIS has expanded its activities in Syria and is increasingly carrying out attacks. The militia is trying to use the attacks by the Turkish army and its mercenaries on the region to return to the offensive itself.

On 19 February, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) dismantled an ISIS cell in Raqqa. “Our forces reaffirm that, despite being preoccupied with repelling attacks by the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries, they remain resolute in their mission to eliminate ISIS elements and cells to maintain security and stability in the region,” the SDF said.

On 18 February, two ISIS terrorists were eliminated while attempting to attack one of the SDF’s points south of Heseke.