Syria: Resurgence of ISIS Cells in Al-Bukamal Sparks Security Concerns in Deir Ezzor

Syria: Resurgence of ISIS Cells in Al-Bukamal Sparks Security Concerns in Deir Ezzor
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Recent signs of activity by sleeper cells of the extremist ISIS group in eastern Syria have raised alarms in Al-Bukamal, Deir Ezzor province, Shia Waves Persian reported. Threatening graffiti appeared on the walls of a local school, warning that “the Islamic State is coming, O servants of the Cross,” signaling a renewed attempt to spread fear among residents.

The development aligns with recent reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) documenting security operations and deadly attacks in the region. Al-Bukamal and surrounding areas, including territories controlled by both the “Julani government” and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), have become a focal point for ISIS’s covert operations.

These activities include surprise attacks on military forces and civilians, aimed at undermining public security and destabilizing strategic areas in Deir Ezzor.

According to SOHR, on 9 November, joint operations by the Julani government’s intelligence and internal security forces in Al-Kharita, Al-Baghiliyah, and Al-Tarif led to the arrest of several individuals suspected of membership in ISIS cells, highlighting the ongoing and active nature of the threat.

Separately, on 16 October, five members of the Julani Ministry of Defense were killed when a bomb planted along a military bus route exploded near the village of Sa’lu, between Deir Ezzor and Al-Mayadin. Authorities reported that ISIS cells were responsible for the attack.

From threatening graffiti to targeted attacks and security raids, these incidents indicate a creeping resurgence of ISIS in Deir Ezzor. Security analysts warn that without coordinated local, regional, and international efforts, this resurgence could endanger hundreds of civilians and further destabilize eastern Syria’s fragile security environment.