SDF Claims Arrest of 40 ISIS Members in al-Hasakah
November 7, 2024, 12:20 pm

SDF Claims Arrest of 40 ISIS Members in al-Hasakah

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The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alleged the conclusion of combing operations under what they termed the "Permanent Security" operation in the countryside of al-Hol city in northeastern Syria, which—according to their claims—aims to eliminate ISIS cells.

The SDF reported that it had completed combing operations in the northern countryside and extensive areas of the southern countryside, extending to border areas with Iraq. The operation resulted in "clashes with two terrorist cells, during which one member was killed and another injured, and 40 members were arrested, in addition to seizing weapons and ammunition," as announced on their official website.

This announcement comes as part of the SDF's attempts to present itself as an effective force in the fight against terrorism, especially following terrorist attacks such as the stabbing incident in Germany, claimed by ISIS, which resulted in the deaths of three people.

Political analyst Samer al-Ahmad told Syria TV that the SDF seeks to highlight its security activities as a means of pressure and to gain support, especially after its failure to conduct elections that it aimed to use to strengthen its legitimacy in northeastern Syria.

Al-Ahmad pointed out that the SDF is working to link its security operations to global terrorist events, presenting itself as a necessary security barrier that protects regional and international interests.

Conversely, researcher Amer al-Abdallah notes that some criticisms are directed at the SDF regarding its exploitation of security operations to strengthen its grip on the region, as some of its leaders have been accused of collusion with ISIS members to achieve political and security interests. Al-Abdallah affirmed in his conversation with Syria TV that there are areas in southern al-Hasakah and the Deir ez-Zor countryside that the SDF has not fully controlled, allowing the organization to operate there, which the SDF later exploited to carry out raids and arrests.

In a related context, Bassam Ishaq, representative of the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the SDF, stated in remarks to the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that what they hear from American officials from both parties has not gone beyond "verbal promises." He added that caution is the prevailing sentiment following Trump's victory, indicating that the SDF is waiting to understand the new president's plans regarding northeastern Syria and the future of the approximately 900 U.S. troops, especially since Trump had ordered their withdrawal in 2019 before halting that decision under pressure from his advisors and the Pentagon.

Ishaq also noted that the situation remains unclear regarding how Trump will deal with Turkey and its president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, amid concerns that any potential deal between Washington and Ankara might come at the expense of the SDF.

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Upon arriving to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, which includes around forty heads of state in Budapest, he said, "I look forward to sitting with the elected U.S. president and seeing how we will collectively ensure we meet challenges, including the threats from Russia and North Korea." He also noted that the strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to the United States as well, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

Furthermore, many NATO member states in Europe fear that Trump might halt military aid to Ukraine after he previously criticized the U.S. for pouring funds into supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.