‘Permanent Security’ Operation: Destroying ISIS Both Militarily and Ideologically

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched extensive combing and search operations named “Permanent Security” from November 7 to 13, targeting areas in the southern and northern countryside of al-Hol and its camp. This operation coincided with precise and surprise raids on several homes and hideouts used by ISIS sleeper cells, forming part of the SDF’s strategy to pursue the remnants of the terrorist organization, monitor its cells, and thwart planned operations. The SDF is capitalizing on the unstable security situation in these areas, exacerbated by attacks from militias affiliated with the Syrian regime and Iran, as well as continuous bombardment from Turkey’s military operations targeting the infrastructure in northern and eastern Syria.

According to a statement from the SDF Media Center, the “Permanent Security” operations room – established by the SDF in collaboration with the Internal Security Forces – engaged over 5,000 fighters, with support from the International Coalition forces. These operations oversaw the combing of more than 200 villages near the Syrian-Iraqi border over a distance of 70 km, including surrounding desert regions, along with the al-Hol Camp and the city itself. More than 60 sites and hideouts used by ISIS cells were raided in al-Hol, Tal Hamis, rural Tal Koçer, and eastern al-Hasakeh, resulting in the arrest of 79 individuals suspected of membership in ISIS and the confiscation of large quantities of weapons, explosives, and mines.

Since 2021, the SDF has conducted three operations involving searches, combing, and raids on the al-Hol camp and its outskirts.

The SDF statement added that these targeted raids, based on intelligence reports, led to arrests and disrupted the organizational structures that ISIS supporters were trying to establish within the al-Hol Camp (which houses 40,000 detainees). The operations particularly focused on the so-called “migrant women” section, who intimidate anyone attempting to oppose the group’s teachings and who engage in brutal violence, including committing murders and hiding bodies. Seventeen suspected members of the “migrant women” were interrogated for their involvement in acts of torture and for providing assistance and information to sleeper cells. Furthermore, electronic devices facilitating communication between ISIS cells inside and outside the camp were seized, hideouts and tunnels were destroyed, and ISIS flags and symbols were confiscated. The operation aimed to confirm the group’s failure to reconstitute and rebuild its other structures, especially the “women’s hesba” and “Cubs of the Caliphate,” following setbacks faced in earlier search and raid campaigns.

Since 2021, the SDF has conducted three operations involving searches, combing, and raids on the al-Hol camp and its outskirts. These operations resulted in the arrests of dozens of ISIS members, dismantled sleeper cells, and organizational structures related to the al-Hesba and al-Shabab departments, as well as the confiscation of weapons and communication devices and the uncovering of cases of murder, disappearances, and arbitrary arrests within the camp. The current fourth operation represents a continuation of these previous efforts and is based on verified intelligence concerning ISIS’s plans to attack the al-Hol Camp in an attempt to free its detained supporters.

In addition to combating ISIS and preventing its reorganization within prisons and camps, dismantling its sleeper cells, destroying its organizational structures, and confiscating communication devices, the SDF aims to reassure those wishing to escape ISIS and eliminate the threat posed by its members. The SDF seeks to provide these individuals with the opportunity to abandon extremist ideology and reintegrate into society and normal life, under the care and supervision of the Autonomous Administration, with the mediation and support of tribal elders, respected figures, and community leaders.

The SDF has previously released hundreds of individuals who were not involved in killings, allowing them to return to society following appeals from community leaders and tribal elders. The SDF intends to create a harmonious balance between military and security operations aimed at dismantling ISIS cells, disrupting their structures, and cutting off their sources of funding, recruitment, and media propaganda, while simultaneously rehabilitating those who wish to sever ties with ISIS and giving them the chance to reintegrate into society with guarantees from dignitaries and well-known national figures.

ISIS continues to pose a significant threat to the region.

Recently, a delegation of Arab and Kurdish tribal leaders from the Jazira region visited the field commanders responsible for “Permanent Security” and expressed their support for the SDF in its efforts to pursue ISIS and establish stability in the cities and villages of the Jazira region.

ISIS continues to pose a significant threat to the region. The group remains active, reorganizing its ranks, rehabilitating its cells, and launching swift attacks against the SDF, internal security personnel, and even civilian and administrative staff working within the Autonomous Administration’s institutions. Not a week goes by without military and civilian individuals facing attacks from ISIS members, along with ongoing incidents of bombings, booby-trapping, and sabotage.

ISIS benefits from the logistical and manpower support of its extensive rear base in the Syrian and Iraqi deserts, where it maintains a significant presence, particularly given the inability of the Syrian and Iraqi armies to effectively pursue and eliminate its fighters and hideouts. The organization is also capitalizing on the ongoing assaults by militias linked to the Syrian regime and Iran on areas east of the Euphrates River in Deir Ezzor province, attempting to solidify its presence and promoting the narrative of an imminent return while attracting elements operating outside the law.

Furthermore, Turkish attacks on infrastructure in Northern and Eastern Syria, along with targeted strikes against internal security forces and counter-terrorism units, provide ISIS with significant opportunities to regroup and launch surprise attacks, bombings, and sabotage operations that coordinate with Turkish aerial and artillery assaults.

ISIS is betting on thousands of children and adolescents – referred to as “Cubs of the Caliphate” – to become its new fighters.

The SDF believes that the war against ISIS is not over yet, and that the group has not been extinguished despite the destruction of its so-called capital in Raqqa in 2017 and its last stronghold in Baghouz in 2019. ISIS remains active and is attempting to adapt to the new situation by operating underground and using surprise tactics, rapid operations, and sabotage strikes.

The organization continues to aspire to launch significant attacks on prisons and camps to free its fighters and supporters and regain control of territory to engage in combat on specific fronts. ISIS is betting on thousands of children and adolescents – referred to as “Cubs of the Caliphate” – to become its new fighters. In the camps, the group focuses on nurturing these youths by providing them with ideological and religious materials that promote violence and terrorism.

ISIS delivers its concentrated propaganda message to these youths, instilling a sense of hope by informing them about the group’s activities abroad, particularly in regions far from the Syrian battlefield, such as Africa. The organization claims to have achieved victories over armed forces of various countries and asserts that it is in the process of establishing its emirates there.

Efforts to defeat ISIS focus on intensifying ongoing military operations aimed at suffocating the group, destroying its cells, dismantling its organizational structures, and isolating it from society, while also providing those wishing to sever ties with ISIS the opportunity to return to normal life. It is a comprehensive program encompassing various aspects, with societal actors playing a clear and impactful role.

Additionally, it includes development initiatives, economic projects, enhancement of services and care, and the establishment of educational programs based on tolerance, pluralism, and acceptance of others. This is an intellectual and awareness-based battle undertaken by institutions in the Northern and Eastern Syria (NES) region, despite limited resources and ongoing attacks from major regional powers and transnational militias. All of these forces share a common goal with ISIS: to undermine the model of coexistence prevalent in the NES region and create the desired alternative – zones of chaos, dark emirates, and civil wars.