Mehmûd El Xelûf, spokesperson for the Internal Security Forces in the Deir ez-Zor Canton, pointed out that regional conflicts and crises between forces in the Middle East have led to the resurgence of ISIS, particularly in the Deir ez-Zor region.

Speaking to ANHA, El Xelûf said that the vast desert area in Syria, especially west of the Euphrates, has become a living space for ISIS mercenaries, providing them with opportunities to become active. He added, “The security vacuum that emerged after the fall of the regime and the absence of an organized military force have allowed ISIS cells to roam freely in these areas.”

El Xelûf noted that Internal Security Forces and the SDF (Syrian Democratic Forces), with support from the International Coalition forces, carried out operations against ISIS mercenaries in Deir ez-Zor over the past four months, resulting in the capture of numerous members and leaders of the organization.

During interrogations, the captured mercenaries confessed that ISIS was attempting to reorganize and recruit children in particular, and preparing to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians in the region.

Providing information on the measures they have taken, El Xelûf said that the Internal Security Forces reinforced checkpoints in Deir ez-Zor, increased night and day patrols, and tightened controls at border crossings.

Mehmûd El Xelûf called on the people of Deir ez-Zor to cooperate with the security forces and to inform them of any suspicious activity, saying, “Security is a shared responsibility, and social solidarity is the first rule of defense against terrorism.”