IDLIB, Syria — Cells affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) have been carrying out assassinations against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Deir ez-Zor, in eastern Syria. These cells have become widely active since the beginning of 2020 after their activities had subsided following the loss of their last stronghold, al-Baghouz, in eastern Deir ez-Zor in early 2019.
IS’ operations have varied since losing ground in the face of the US-backed SDF. They started with attacking checkpoints and centers affiliated with the SDF and turned to assassinating SDF operatives or collaborators with the SDF and planting roadside bombs to target the SDF.