In the complex mosaic of the new Syria, the longstanding battle against the group calling itself Islamic State (IS) continues in the Kurdish-controlled north-east. It's a conflict that has largely slipped from current news cycles, overshadowed by larger wars in the region.
Kurdish counter-terrorism officials have informed the BBC that IS cells in Syria are regrouping, with a resurgence in attacks raising serious security concerns.
One of the notable stories surrounds Walid Abdul-Basit Sheikh Mousa, a young fighter who was killed while fighting IS. His family reflects on the deep personal toll the conflict has taken, expressing the longing for vengeance against a group they feel has shattered their lives.
Walid’s mother, Rojin Mohammed, mourns the loss of her son and calls for the complete eradication of IS, echoing a sentiment shared widely amid ongoing tensions. They broke our hearts, she says. We buried so many of our young. May Daesh (IS) be wiped out completely. The rise in attacks is concerning for Kurdish officials, who indicate a substantial increase in IS operations since the ousting of Assad in December.
IS is reportedly taking advantage of the security vacuum post-Assad, having expanded its operations from hit-and-run tactics to more organized attacks and the deployment of landmines. The US sees the Kurdish forces as allies in the joint fight against the extremists, while Turkey labels them a terrorist group.
The YPG militia, which has fought IS for over a decade, reports significant losses, with dozens of fighters killed in recent attempts to combat the group.
In the meantime, Kurdish authorities are grappling with the reality of managing thousands of IS suspects captured during the conflict. Approximately 8,000 men, linked to IS and hailing from various countries including the US, the UK, and Russia, are held without trial in a network of prisons. The largest of these, al-Sina located in the city of Al Hasakah, has become emblematic of the struggle to contain the remnants of IS.
Conditions in these prisons are dire, with many detainees suffering from health issues and lacking basic amenities such as communication with the outside world. However, evidence suggests that within these walls, the ideological influence of IS persists, as leaders among the inmates continue to exert control.
Additionally, the plight of IS fighters' families unfolds in sprawling tented camps, where women and children live under harsh conditions. Nearly 34,000 family members are held, with many human rights advocates arguing this amounts to a form of collective punishment.
The interviews shed light on the stories of these women, including Mehak Aslam, who came to Syria with her husband to provide aid. Despite denying any wrongdoing, she faces immense challenges within the camp, where children are at risk of indoctrination into extremist ideologies. We feel bad when we see them growing up in this swamp and embracing this ideology, acknowledges camp manager Hekmiya Ibrahim, who fears for the next generation.
As sleeper cells of IS remain active, Kurdish forces are faced with the dual challenge of maintaining security while providing humane conditions for the detainees in their control. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains uncertain about the path forward concerning the remnants of IS and the stability of the region.
