Renewed Threat: IS Attack Claims Five SDF Lives in Deir el-Zor

Five Syrian Democratic Forces members were killed in an Islamic State attack on a checkpoint in Deir el-Zor. The attack highlights the ongoing threat of an IS resurgence, despite their 2019 defeat. The SDF, which cooperated with the US to defeat IS, remains a target for the militant group.

A deadly attack on a checkpoint by Islamic State militants resulted in the deaths of five Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) members in Deir el-Zor, eastern Syria, on July 31.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, as confirmed by a statement on Monday. The SDF, a key ally of the United States in the fight against IS, played a pivotal role in the 2019 defeat of the group.

Despite their previous losses, the Islamic State continues efforts for a resurgence across the Middle East, the West, and Asia. Deir el-Zor, once captured by IS in 2014, was recaptured by the Syrian army in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies.)