A recent report from an organization tracking violence in Syria highlighted that Islamic State (ISIS) jihadists killed four soldiers loyal to dictator Bashar Assad in a deliberate military attack. This incident took place in Raqqa province, the former capital of the ISIS “caliphate.” Experts are concerned about the increasing level of ISIS activity in the country, following the group’s defeat in Raqqa in 2017.
The focus on ISIS has shifted to its Khorasan Province in Afghanistan, but there are signs of the group regrouping in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Recent reports suggest that ISIS is gaining strength in Syria and Iraq, with their numbers doubling in recent months.
Attacks by ISIS on Syrian security forces, including those loyal to Assad, have been on the rise. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported the killing of four regime soldiers in a recent attack near Tabqa in Raqqa province.
ISIS attacks have been escalating in the eastern and northern deserts of Syria amidst a security vacuum. The Counter Extremism Project noted a significant increase in ISIS activity in central Syria, resulting in multiple attacks and casualties.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), in cooperation with the U.S., played a key role in defeating ISIS in Raqqa. However, ISIS remains a threat in the region, as evidenced by recent attacks on SDF-run prisons holding ISIS militants. The SDF has warned of the increasing ISIS activity in areas it controls, with reports indicating the group is expanding its operations.
The U.S. State Department and other authorities have recognized the persistent threat posed by ISIS in Syria and beyond. Efforts to combat ISIS and its affiliates continue, with a focus on preventing further violence and protecting human rights in affected regions.
Overall, the resurgence of ISIS in Syria is a growing concern, with the group regaining strength and posing a threat to security and stability in the region. Efforts to address this threat are ongoing, but the situation remains challenging and complex.
