The Islamic State is trying to cash in on the population in eastern Syria. Increased attacks on farms and traders in Deir Ezzor. Pro-ISIS jihadists, due to the pressing of SDF-Inherent Resolve, are desperately looking for resources

The Islamic State in eastern Syria is trying to cash in on the population. In recent days there has been an escalation of attacks against civilians in Deir Ezzor. In particular, the pro-ISIS jihadists have targeted some farms and traders, poorly protected and relatively “rich” in resources to plunder. All the raids follow the same pattern: groups of militiamen suddenly arrive on motorcycles and forcibly extort money and other goods. Then, they disappear dispersing in several directions. The raids increased after the SDF and Inherent Resolve intensified the pressure on IS with targeted campaigns to neutralize the chain of command and the logistical network of the formation in the area. As a result, there is a high possibility that the joint operations have hit home and that the fundamentalists are now desperately looking for not too risky ways to survive.