Aleppo, Jan. 1 (SANA) The Syrian Interior Ministry announced Thursday that it had thwarted an ISIS plot to carry out suicide attacks targeting New Year celebrations and churches, particularly in Aleppo.
The ministry said in a statement on its Telegram channel that, as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts and careful monitoring of ISIS cells in cooperation with partner agencies, it had received intelligence indicating plans for suicide attacks targeting New Year celebrations in several provinces, particularly Aleppo, with a focus on churches and civilian gathering areas.
The ministry added that it took preemptive measures, including reinforcing security around churches, deploying mobile and fixed patrols, and setting up checkpoints across the city.
During operations at a checkpoint in Aleppo’s Bab al-Faraj district, security forces intercepted a suspected ISIS member who opened fire. One internal security soldier was martyred, and the attacker detonated explosives, injuring two others.
The ministry extended condolences to the family of the martyr and wished a speedy recovery to the injured, praising the personnel’s heroic actions, which were key in preventing a major attack on civilians during New Year celebrations.
