The Unfinished War Against ISIS

“The Syrian Democratic Forces on the front line against ISIS in northeastern Syria

Five years after its territorial defeat in Syria, ISIS is again increasing its activity in the autonomous region of Rojava. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) report a rise in attacks and attempted operations, while Kurdish officials warn that regional instability and shifting international priorities—particularly the potential withdrawal of U.S. troops—could allow extremist groups to reorganize.

The long-term consequences of the conflict are evident in detention camps across northeastern Syria. In Al-Hawl, the largest camp in the region, around 40,000 people—former ISIS fighters, their wives, and children—remain under SDF control. Camp authorities report a sharp decline in international humanitarian assistance, with staffing levels now at a fraction of what they were in 2019, raising concerns over security, radicalization, and prolonged displacement.
Within this context, Kurdish women fighters play a central role. The YPJ (Women’s Protection Units), founded in 2013, operates alongside the YPG while maintaining a distinct mandate focused on both military defense and gender equality. Internationally recognized for their role in the fight against ISIS, YPJ fighters continue to face armed conflict, political pressure, and inconsistent international support. Their presence reflects the unresolved nature of the war and the broader social transformations emerging from it.”