Syrian Kurdish Fighters and American Forces Capture Senior ISIS Member
In a significant development, Syrian Kurdish fighters, in collaboration with American forces, apprehended a key figure within the Islamic State (ISIS) group. The detained militant, identified as Mahmdouh Ibrahim al-Haji, also known as Abu Youssef, is described as one of the group’s primary facilitators. This operation unfolded in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa and was announced on Friday.
Alleged ISIS “Key Facilitator” Apprehended
According to information provided by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, al-Haji was actively involved in supporting terrorist cells in the region. Their joint force conducted a successful raid on his hideout located west of Raqqa, culminating in his capture.
Ongoing ISIS Threat Despite Defeat
Despite ISIS’s defeat in Syria back in March 2019, sleeper cells of the group continue to carry out deadly attacks. These attacks have claimed numerous lives over the past year, signifying an ongoing security challenge in the region.
U.S. Efforts Against ISIS
The United States has maintained a presence of around 900 troops in Syria, with their primary focus being the counteraction of any remnants of ISIS. This group had held a substantial portion of the country until their decline in 2019.
ISIS’s History and Current Status
ISIS declared a self-proclaimed caliphate over territories in Syria and Iraq that they seized in 2014. While they were declared defeated in Iraq in 2017, it followed a three-year-long battle that resulted in significant casualties and extensive destruction. As of last month, United Nations experts estimated that ISIS still retains a membership of 5,000 to 7,000 individuals within their former strongholds in Syria and Iraq. Furthermore, they remain a potent threat in Afghanistan.
This development signifies the ongoing struggle to fully eradicate the threat posed by ISIS, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts and international cooperation in addressing this issue.