Overview
- A Feb. 23 assault on a checkpoint in the Al Sabahiyah area of Raqqa killed four Syrian security personnel, the deadliest incident since the group's new campaign was announced.
- ISIS publicized a “new phase of operations” on Feb. 21 through a recording attributed to spokesman Abu Hudhayfah al Ansari, followed by multiple attacks across Raqqa and Deir Ezzor.
- Syrian internal security said pre-dawn raids west of Raqqa killed the leader of a local ISIS cell, detained four suspects, and seized weapons, with sweep operations continuing.
- The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 13 people killed in 10 attacks over four days, including soldiers, security personnel, a civilian, and two ISIS members.
- Authorities and analysts cite a growing security vacuum from U.S. force reductions, SDF disruptions, and escapes from Al Hol, as officials also contend with loyalist militia violence in Latakia linked by the interior minister to regime remnants.