The Islamic State (ISIS) remains a significant security threat in Syria, exploiting instability to reorganize and carry out attacks, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) warned on Sunday, marking the sixth anniversary of the group’s territorial defeat in the country.

The SDF, which spearheaded the ground campaign against ISIS with U.S. support, declared victory over the jihadists in March 2019 after liberating their last stronghold in Baghouz. However, the group’s remnants continue to operate covertly, posing a persistent threat to northern and eastern Syria.

In a statement, the SDF highlighted that while the territorial defeat of ISIS marked a turning point, the group’s sleeper cells remain active and dangerous. “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,” the SDF said.

The Kurdish-led force warned that ISIS is attempting to exploit ongoing instability, including attacks by Turkey and Turkish-backed groups on SDF positions in northern Syria, as well as the broader chaos following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “ISIS thrives in environments of chaos, void, and instability,” the statement emphasized.

The SDF, which controls northeast Syria (Rojava), has been working to prevent ISIS from reestablishing its presence in the region. However, the group has repeatedly cautioned that its efforts are being undermined by Turkey’s military operations and the actions of its allied militias in northern Syria.

“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,” the SDF reiterated.

The SDF also manages numerous detention facilities housing tens of thousands of captured ISIS fighters, including veterans of the group’s so-called caliphate. Among these facilities is the notorious al-Hol camp, which holds approximately 40,000 people with ties to ISIS, including women and children. The camp has been described as a breeding ground for terrorism, and Kurdish authorities have repeatedly urged the international community to repatriate their citizens to prevent further radicalization.

The SDF called for enhanced regional and international cooperation in intelligence and security efforts to counter the ongoing threat posed by ISIS. “This requires enhanced efforts and regional and international cooperation in intelligence and security to prevent its resurgence,” the statement concluded.

As Syria remains embroiled in conflict and instability, the SDF’s warning underscores the fragile security situation in the region and the enduring challenge of ensuring ISIS does not regain a foothold.