In the complex mosaic of the new Syria, the old battle against the group calling itself Islamic State (IS) continues in the Kurdish-controlled north-east. It's a conflict that has slipped from the headlines - with bigger wars elsewhere.
But Kurdish counter-terrorism officials have told the BBC that IS cells in Syria are regrouping and increasing their attacks.
Walid Abdul-Basit Sheikh Mousa was obsessed with motorbikes and finally managed to buy one in January. The 21-year-old only had a few weeks to enjoy it. He was killed in February fighting against IS in north-eastern Syria.
Generations of his extended family gathered in the yard of their home in the city of Qamishli to tell us about his short life. His mother remembers him as caring and affectionate claiming, I see him everywhere. He left me with so many memories. Despite his young age, Walid adamantly joined the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to fight against IS.
Kurdish officials report a 10-fold increase in extremist attacks, taking advantage of the security vacuum after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's removal. Militants are expanding their operations from hit-and-run tactics to more organized attacks.
In the Kurdish-held areas, around 8,000 suspected IS fighters remain imprisoned without trial, contributing to overcrowded facilities like al-Sina in Al Hasakah, where conditions are believed to be dire, with tuberculosis rampant.
Hamza Parvez, a former IS fighter from London, described the grim reality within prison walls, pleading for his return to the UK. I’m on my deathbed... in a room full of tuberculosis, he warned.
Family members of IS detainees, such as Mehak Aslam, recount their experiences in camps, facing isolation and health crises. Aslam insists she only came to provide humanitarian aid but recognizes the dangerous reputation of those around her. The painful aftermath for victims will linger, especially for the children born or raised amidst this chaos, perpetuating cycles of violence.
This complex scenario highlights the ongoing struggle against radicalization in the region, especially with the next generation growing up under harsh circumstances, leading to fears of a more formidable resurgence of IS in the future.
