Security of IS Fighters in Syrian Prisons

In the oil-rich region of Deir Azzour, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are grappling with the resurgence of ISIS sleeper cells, which have been responsible for a series of attacks on both military personnel and civilians. SDF Commander Ali emphasized the need for ongoing resistance against these threats, highlighting the importance of collaboration with international partners to prevent the reactivation of ISIS in the area. The region, which has been a focal point in the global coalition's fight against ISIS for nearly a decade, is also home to U.S. bases and other international forces. Commander Ali expressed concern that the ongoing militia attacks are diverting attention from the primary objective of combating ISIS. The SDF is currently managing a complex security situation, balancing the need to address these militia threats while maintaining pressure on ISIS remnants. The challenges are compounded by the presence of numerous detainees, many of whom are caught in a precarious situation following the collapse of ISIS. Among the detainees, a young man from Trinidad shared his harrowing story of being taken to ISIS territory at the age of ten. He recounted the traumatic experience of being separated from his mother multiple times during their time in Syria, expressing a deep sense of entrapment. The Kurdish authorities have indicated that they lack the resources to manage the large number of individuals detained in the aftermath of ISIS's decline, further complicating the region's security landscape.