“During 2023, our Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), conducted many security operations against the remnants of ISIS terrorist cells, including large-scale operations, and others conducted in coordination and cooperation with the international coalition forces against ISIS,” read a statement from the SDF.
The US-backed force carried out 73 military operations against ISIS in the year, arresting 352 “terrorists, suspects, facilitators, and collaborators.” Six ISIS leaders were also captured, according to the statement.
“Our forces, which have made great sacrifices to eliminate the terrorist organization of ISIS and rid the world of its terrorism, confirm their commitment to continue their moral and national tasks to pursue and eliminate ISIS cells and dry up their sources, However, it is imperative to bring to the world’s attention the concerning actions of certain regional countries, notably Turkey,” the SDF noted, referring to frequent bombardment of northeast Syria (Rojava) by Ankara.
ISIS rose to power seizing swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014 and was declared territorially defeated in the country five years later. Though the group no longer controls any territory, it continues to pose security risks through kidnappings, hit-and-run attacks, and bombings on both sides of the border.
The SDF fought the lion’s share of the battle against ISIS in Syria.