Known ISIS Figures Seen Freely Moving in Raqqa, Raising Security Concerns
Sources in the city of Raqqa, Syria, have reported that several well-known leaders of the ISIS group have been seen moving freely within the city, an event that has caused surprise and concern among local residents.
According to regional media reports, these individuals are moving around various parts of Raqqa while forces affiliated with Abu Mohammad al-Joulani claim to be fighting ISIS. The sighting of these prominent ISIS figures has raised questions about the security situation and the level of control over the city.
It is said that the manner of their presence and dispersion indicates that they are operating within an organized security framework. Residents of Raqqa have expressed fears that these movements could signal the reorganization of ISIS cells in the city.
Among those reported to be present in Raqqa are Sufyan al-Qushaym, known as Sufyan al-Naimi, Faisal al-Balawi, and Salem Turki al-Omari, known as Abu Saddam al-Ansari.
At the same time, reports indicate that following recent clashes between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and groups affiliated with al-Joulani, a number of ISIS members along with their families managed to escape from prisons controlled by the SDF. These developments, coupled with the withdrawal of U.S. forces from some bases in northeastern Syria, are attributed to an increase in ISIS activities.
Despite these conditions, ISIS has announced that it has commenced fighting against al-Joulani’s forces, a claim that adds to the uncertainty amid the complex security environment in northeastern Syria.
The city of Raqqa, located in northeastern Syria, was known between 2014 and 2017 as the main center and operational capital of ISIS in the country.
