The Kurdish Security Forces (Asayish), Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and International Coalition forces allegedly conducted an on-the-ground and aerial counter-terrorism operation that arrested two accused Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) members on January 3rd 2023 in the Maisalan neighborhood of Al-Raqqa’s countryside. There are currently no reports of civilian or belligerent harm or death.

The two arrested militants are thought to have been ISIS leaders and bomb markers, but their names have not been released.

The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights (SOHR) reported that this incident was a part of numerous operations undertaken by the SDF to eliminate ISIS cells in response to the violent attack carried out by ISIS on the centers, headquarters and Intelligence Prison in Al-Raqqa on December 26th 2022.

SOHR also reported that increased efforts of the SDF and International Coalition have exacerbated security mobilization and the cutting of roads in Al-Raqqa, however did not provide details on the effect on the population.

The Coordination & Military Ops Center of the SDF posted on Twitter (@cmoc_sdf) that “#ISF with @Coalition raided and arrested two #Daesh leaders and bomb makers near #Raqqa Northern countryside.”