The Rojava Information Center (RIC) published its September report on ISIS sleeper cells.

The report highlights said that "September was dominated by the Security Operation in Deir ez-Zor which saw clashes between SDF and militiamen loyal to 'Abu Khawla', former head of the Deir ez-Zor Military Council (which is under the SDF’s umbrella) who the SDF arrested on the 27th August, 2023. He was accused of 'communication and coordination with external entities hostile to the revolution, committing criminal offenses and engaging in drug trafficking, mismanaging of the security situation, his negative role in increasing the activities of ISIS cells, and exploiting his position for personal and familial interests that violated the internal regulations of the SDF'."

The report added: "Seizing upon these clashes, a scattered collection of tribal actors joined in the attacks on SDF posts in the region, expressing their frustrations with the security and economic situation.  The violence was soon exacerbated by the attempts of Iranian-backed militias to stir up sectarian tensions and the crossing of hundreds of gunmen from the Syrian government’s side of the Euphrates to attack SDF positions.

The violence lasted several weeks and saw the deaths of 118 people, including 10 civilians, as well as at least 146 injured."

The full report can be read here