Details of the Arrest of Two ISIS Cells in Syria
Syrian authorities are intensifying security operations against cells affiliated with the terrorist organization ISIS, in an effort to prevent the group from re-establishing its activities in northern areas of the country. The latest operation resulted in the arrest of two cells.
According to a statement issued by the Syrian Interior Ministry, “the internal security forces, in cooperation and coordination with the General Intelligence Service, carried out a joint security operation targeting cells affiliated with the terrorist organization ISIS in the city of Aleppo and in the areas of Azaz and Al-Bab in the countryside of the province.”
The operation resulted in “the arrest of two cells affiliated with the organization, comprising seven individuals who were planning to carry out terrorist attacks targeting government facilities in Aleppo and its surrounding areas.” Explosive devices and explosive vests were also seized, along with weapons, ammunition, and other materials linked to terrorist activities.
The operation comes “as part of the Interior Ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorist organizations and track down sleeper cells and individuals affiliated with them, thereby strengthening security and stability, protecting citizens, and preserving civil peace.”
In February, the organization called on its members to fight Syria’s new authorities. The group periodically claims responsibility for attacks, particularly those targeting security forces.
On July 10, two simultaneous explosions involving explosive devices occurred near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron had spent the night during his visit to the Syrian capital.
At the time, local authorities announced the arrest of individuals involved in the two explosions. Investigations subsequently showed that their group was “affiliated” with the terrorist organization.
At the height of its power during the Syrian crisis a decade ago, the terrorist organization ISIS controlled approximately a quarter of Syria’s territory, or possibly more. However, the U.S.-led international coalition succeeded in driving the group out of the country in 2019, with the assistance of other armed factions.
