Leaks about Public Activity of ISIS Cells in Syria

In recent hours, activists and journalists have circulated photos and videos showing individuals raising the flag of ISIS in various areas of the Syrian desert, particularly in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor. This comes in conjunction with events organized by the Syrian transitional government to mark the first anniversary of the fall of the previous regime.

According to local sources in the area, the public appearance of ISIS members is part of an increasing activity of ISIS cells over the past few months. Some of these sources link the recent movements to alleged relations between the group and the Syrian transitional government, based on shared roots dating back to the early stages of the Syrian conflict. No independent confirmation has been made regarding the nature of this relationship.

The same sources indicate that ISIS members have been seen participating in security operations in the desert, which are believed to have aimed at imposing discipline and preventing local objections to events held in the region, amidst reports of pressure being exerted on the residents of certain villages.

Observers believe that the recent public appearance of ISIS members reflects the growing activity of the group in the Syrian desert, with reports suggesting some level of coordination with the transitional government, despite the lack of an official announcement.

In a related context, local sources reported that an unofficial meeting was held in mid-November in the town of al-Sukhnah, which allegedly included members of ISIS and the Syrian transitional government. The meeting reportedly addressed security and military arrangements in the desert area. The meeting was also linked to the escalation of attacks in recent weeks against sites belonging to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) along the banks of the Euphrates River.

The activities in the desert continue amidst the lack of official information regarding the nature of these activities, while local and regional forces continue to conduct sweeping operations to track down ISIS cells in the desert areas extending between Deir ez-Zor and Homs.