Damascus, June 20 (SANA) Syrian security forces have arrested an ISIS explosives specialist in eastern Syria during an operation conducted jointly by the Ministry of Interior and the General Intelligence Service, the ministry said on Saturday.
In a statement, the ministry identified the man as Akram Saleh al-Hamad and said he was responsible for manufacturing explosives and explosive devices for the group’s operations in the eastern region.
According to the ministry, preliminary investigations involving previously detained members of the same cell indicate that al-Hamad was involved in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines used in terrorist attacks carried out by ISIS.
The ministry said al-Hamad was involved in a motorcycle bomb attack in the city of Al-Bukamal, an explosive attack targeting a military vehicle belonging to the Syrian Arab Army, and the planting of an explosive device intended to target a member of the Internal Security Forces.
Security forces also seized ammunition, explosive belts, detonators and explosive materials during the operation, according to the ministry.
Al-Hamad has been referred to the relevant authorities for further investigation before being transferred to the judiciary for legal proceedings, the ministry added.
In April, the ministry said it had arrested an ISIS-affiliated cell in the al-Safira area east of Aleppo in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by Syrian authorities to track down terrorist groups and dismantle their networks, according to the ministry.
R A H / ABD
