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ISIS Cells Infiltrate Raqqa Countryside Disguised as "Aggression Deterrence Forces"
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ISIS elements' infiltration under cover of "Aggression Deterrence Forces" reveals organization's new strategy to penetrate areas in Syria
The Raqqa Military Council affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has begun a large military operation to clear the towns of Maadan and Zor Shamr in Raqqa countryside, following the discovery of ISIS elements infiltrating under the name "Aggression Deterrence Forces".
The Syrian Observatory reported that infiltrators imposed their control over the towns of Maadan, Al-Buhamad, Zor Shamr, Al-Maghla, and Al-Khamisiya in Raqqa countryside, taking advantage of "National Defense" groups' withdrawal from the area.
The infiltrators managed to deceive residents by bringing a military convoy into the area and holding meetings with local notables, before their true identity as ISIS elements was revealed.
These developments coincided with SDF forces' withdrawal from Deir ez-Zor city and its surroundings on December 12, where they repositioned their forces in seven villages previously controlled by Iranian militias.
Security experts indicate that this new tactic by the organization reflects its attempts to exploit the security vacuum and reposition itself in areas it previously lost control over.
Levant-Agencies
