Damascus, April 16 (SANA) Syrian Interior Ministry forces, with the General Intelligence Service, arrested an ISIS-affiliated cell during a joint security operation in the al-Safira area, east of Aleppo, the Interior Ministry said on Thursday.
The ministry said in a statement on its Telegram channel that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to track down those responsible for an attack carried out last month by ISIS militants targeting personnel from the Ministry of Defense and the Customs Police, which resulted in a number of martyrs. One of the attackers was killed at the time, while another fled.
According to the statement, the latest operation followed extensive investigations and surveillance that enabled authorities to monitor the cell’s movements and identify its locations. A targeted raid led to the arrest of all members of the cell, who were identified as Mahmoud al-Abdullah and Juma al-Ahmad.
Weapons, ammunition and combat equipment in the cell’s possession were seized and were intended for use in terrorist attacks, the ministry said.
Preliminary investigations showed the cell’s involvement in several previous attacks, including assassinations, direct targeting of security and military personnel, as well as killings of civilians.
The Interior Ministry said efforts would continue to pursue terrorist organizations, dismantle their networks, and take all necessary measures to protect citizens and enhance security and stability.
F.J./ABD
