SDF captures ISIS leader in eastern Syria

Rudaw
A member of the Kurdish-led SDF in northeast Syria (Rojava). Photo: file/SDF

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdish-led forces on Thursday captured an Islamic State (ISIS) leader in eastern Syria with the help of the United States army, the two allies announced on Saturday.

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on Saturday that they assisted the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to conduct a raid and capture Salah Mohammed al-Abdullah, “an ISIS cell leader,” near the town of al-Shuhayl in Deir ez-Zor province. 

“During the operation, the SDF recovered multiple weapons to include a 12.7mm (.50 cal) Sniper rifle, an AK-47, hand grenades, and various weapons and ammunition,” said CENTCOM, which oversees US troops in the Middle East. 

“The SDF-led operation is part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign to degrade ISIS networks and prevent the resurgence of the terrorist group in the region. CENTCOM forces enabled SDF during the operation by providing technical support and intelligence,” it added. 

The SDF thanked CENTCOM for their support in the operation. 

“These joint operations increase the level of security in the region and prevent ISIS cells from harming residents. Our forces affirm their firm and steadfast commitment to pursuing and eliminating ISIS cells through the strong partnership with the international coalition forces,” said the SDF. 

ISIS, which was territorially defeated in 2019, has recently sought to gain ground, taking advantage of the situation after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The SDF, which controls northeast Syria (Rojava), has fought to prevent the militants from reestablishing their presence in the evolving security landscape.

The SDF said in January that they carried out nearly 100 operations against ISIS in 2024, capturing more than 270 suspects and eliminating several of its high-ranking leaders.

The SDF has warned that their ability to combat ISIS in the east of the country is being undermined by an offensive by Turkey and its allied militias in the north who are trying to take control of a key bridge and dam on the Euphrates River in an area that is under SDF control.