Syria arrests four ISIS cell leaders over planned attacks

Syrian security forces have arrested four leaders and several members of an ISIS cell accused of planning terrorist attacks, the country’s internal security forces said on September 27.

Security and intelligence forces stated that they “dismantled a cell affiliated with the ISIS terrorist organization that was involved in carrying out kidnappings, planting explosive devices, and assassinations,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Asharq Al-Aswat.

Four leaders of the cell were arrested in Raqqa in northern Syria, along with several members in Aleppo, Idlib and Homs, according to the statement.

The cell was also “planning terrorist acts targeting the security and stability of the region”, the statement said. Explosives, weapons and ammunition were seized during the “pre-emptive operation”, while investigations remain under way.

Syria’s new authorities, who ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024, joined a US-led coalition against ISIS last year.

The authorities have faced significant security challenges and regularly announce the arrest of ISIS commanders and members. Last month, they announced the capture of an extremist commander in northern Syria.

ISIS once controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq before being territorially defeated in Syria in 2019. However, remnants of the group remain active, particularly in the country’s vast desert.

The group occasionally claims responsibility for attacks, mainly targeting Syrian security forces.

Syrian authorities have also blamed ISIS militants for bomb blasts in July during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, saying they had arrested the cell responsible.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov