Suspected ISIS attack kills four members of security forces in Syria’s Raqqa

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least four members of local security forces were killed in an attack in Syria’s Raqqa province on Monday, the interior ministry announced, blaming the Islamic State (ISIS). The assault marks the second such attack in the area within 24 hours. 

The ministry said ISIS militants attacked a checkpoint in Raqqa city, noting that in addition to the four killed, two other security personnel were wounded. It added that one ISIS fighter was killed during the ensuing clashes. 

“This marks the second attack on the Internal Security Forces in the area, after the checkpoint was targeted yesterday in another terrorist assault that resulted in the neutralization of one of the attacking militants, in an attempt to destabilize the region,” read a statement from the ministry.

ISIS has not claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack.

The ministry also released footage purporting to show the moment local security forces attempted to thwart the attack, as well as the deployment of additional forces to restore stability.

“Internal Security units continue combing and pursuit operations in the surrounding area to track down and arrest those who fled,” it said. 

Raqqa, which was under the control of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) until last month, has seen ISIS activities for years. It used to be one of its strongholds before the group was territorially defeated by the SDF and the US-led global coalition.