The General Command of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) released a statement marking the sixth anniversary of the elimination of ISIS in its last stronghold, Baghouz.

The SDF statement on Sunday includes the following:

“Today marks six years since the historic and strategic victory achieved by our forces, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ), with the support of the international coalition forces, over the terrorist organization ISIS in al-Baghouz, its final stronghold in Syria.

On this occasion, we first honor the memory of all our martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the numerous campaigns launched by our forces to liberate our regions from the scourge of ISIS. We also salute all our fighters who resisted its terrorist attacks with unwavering commitment, a determination that, combined with the support of our people, led to this significant victory. While the regular armies struggled to confront the terrorist organization ISIS, our forces succeeded in defeating ISIS and restoring security and stability to the areas it had ravaged with corruption, injustice, and destruction. Moreover, we spared the world from its evil and terrorism.

This victory marked a turning point in the ongoing battle against ISIS, yet the remnants of its cells continue to pose a persistent threat to the security and stability of northern and eastern Syria. This requires enhanced efforts and regional and international cooperation in intelligence and security to prevent its resurgence.

Although our forces continue to strike blow after blow against the ISIS cells through ongoing security and military operations, dismantling hundreds of cells and capturing key members and leaders, including those involved in the attack on the Al-Sina’a prison, the terrorist organization ISIS is trying to exploit the circumstances to revive itself. It benefits from the attacks launched by the occupying Turkish state and its mercenaries against our regions, has resumed its terrorist activities following the collapse of the defunct Syrian regime, acquired additional weapons and equipment, and expanded its terrorist operations. ISIS thrives in environments of chaos, void, and instability.
The fate of thousands of ISIS prisoners, many of whom are foreign nationals, remains a dilemma that requires an urgent solution and international cooperation. This necessitates the establishment of an international tribunal to ensure their fair trial, as well as the development of long-term strategies to prevent the spread of extremist ideology. Achieving justice for the victims of ISIS’s atrocities is equally essential.

International support remains vital in the ongoing battle against the terrorist organization ISIS, as its threat extends to the entire world. Sustained political and military support is needed to prevent ISIS from exploiting Syria’s instability and reorganizing its ranks. The security of both the region and the world depends heavily on stopping its resurgence.

Once again, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing the fight against terrorism and ensuring a peaceful, secure, and stable future for the peoples of this region. This is both a local and international battle. On this occasion, we call upon our partners and the international community to stand with us in this fight to establish lasting security and peace and achieve justice.”