Damascus, Syria – The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) issued an official statement warning of the escalating security risks facing areas of northern and eastern Syria. This comes amidst military escalation and attacks launched by factions affiliated with Damascus. This escalation is also accompanied by ongoing troop buildups and threats. The statement emphasized that ISIS cells are attempting to exploit this situation to launch attacks targeting prisons holding ISIS members.
The statement explained that recent security developments have created a volatile environment that ISIS cells are seeking to exploit to destabilize the region. This is being done by planning attacks on detention centers. These attacks aim to revitalize the organization and create security chaos in the region, following the heavy blows it has suffered in recent years.
The SDF confirmed that its forces are fully prepared and vigilant, and that they have taken all necessary security measures to ensure the safety of prisons and prevent any potential breaches. Furthermore, they emphasized that all detention centers are currently under complete and secure control, and are being secured according to well-defined military and security plans.
At the same time, the forces warned that the continued military escalation and ongoing threats could destabilize the region. This poses a real danger to the security of prisons holding ISIS members and risks creating a security vacuum that terrorist groups could exploit to regroup.
The statement emphasized that any potential security deterioration could return the region to square one, after years of immense sacrifices made by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the people of the region in the fight against terrorism. It also stressed that maintaining stability requires de-escalation and that the international community must fulfill its responsibilities regarding the prison system and counterterrorism efforts.
The SDF concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to continuing to protect security and stability in northern and eastern Syria. It also pledged to confront any attempts to undermine efforts to combat ISIS and prevent its resurgence.
