While an upsurge in ISIS cells attacks has continued to target the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and regime troops, the unprecedented violent surge of April appears to have receded somewhat. From a high of over 60 combined deaths last month, armed attacks and IED blasts since 1st May killed a total of 37 regime and SDF troops. The decline follows several high-profile joint operations by the SDF and US-led International Coalition to combat ISIS’ resurgence in north and east Deir Ezzor.
The region is also suffering a renewed wave of popular unrest. Among other public demonstrations, farmers have cut off roads in protest against the Self Administration’s recently announced wheat purchase price of 31 cents per kilo. The new price falls significantly short of the 50 cents per kilo that protesting farmers contend is needed to cover expenses and losses.
ISIS Activity
Deir Ezzor and Raqqa provinces remain the two epicentres of ISIS attacks targeting the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), with casualties remaining high through the past month despite receding from the highs of April. Recent weeks witnessed a total of five armed attacks and four IED blasts, which claimed the lives of 13 SDF troops and injured scores of others.
At least 24 regime soldiers were killed in a string of six armed attacks and two IED blasts, mostly in Deir Ezzor and Raqqa. The deadliest attack of the month, accounting for more than half of total regime casualties, was an ambush along the Deir Ezzor-Homs road, which claimed the lives of 17 regime soldiers.
ISIS attacks also increased against Iranian-backed militias operating in north-east Syria. Last month, five fighters from militias backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) were killed in an IED blast planted by ISIS in Deir Ezzor province.
SDF Activity
A long-running series of clashes between the SDF and Turkish forces continued to simmer along frontlines in northern Aleppo and Raqqa, with frequent artillery exchanges and drone strikes resulting in regular SDF casualties.
The SDF has continued to conduct regular raids and arrest campaigns in areas under its control, arresting half a dozen individuals in the city of Raqqa and northern Hasakeh province’s Tal Tamr on charges of collaborating with the Turkish-backed SNA.
In response to escalating attacks by ISIS, the SDF launched several raids alongside the US-led International Coalition.
Political and Humanitarian Developments
An outbreak of protests by local farmers erupted across Self Administration-controlled areas of north-east Syria, following the decision by authorities to set the purchase price for wheat at 31 cents per kilo for the 2024 season—a decision certain to incur significant financial losses for producers in the coming months. Due to the centrality of agriculture to the local economy in Deir Ezzor and Hasakeh, the current demonstrations have spread quickly.
