Syria arrests ISIS cell in eastern Aleppo, seizes weapons

Syrian authorities have arrested a cell affiliated with the ISIS (Daesh) terror group during a joint security operation in eastern Aleppo, a source at the Interior Ministry told the SANA news agency on Thursday. The operation was carried out in coordination between the Interior Ministry and the General Intelligence Service, leading to the detention of several suspects, the source said.

Weapons seized

Authorities also seized weapons, ammunition, and weapons gear that were in the possession of the cell and intended for use in carrying out terrorist activities, the source added. The arrests reflect ongoing Syrian security operations against remaining ISIS sleeper cells since the group's territorial defeat.

Previous arrests

Last week, Syrian authorities arrested a cell of five people linked to a foreign party planning to target a religious figure in Damascus, a source with the Interior Ministry told Al-Ekhbariya TV. The arrests indicate continued counterterrorism efforts by the new Syrian administration following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Regional context

The arrests come amid broader regional instability following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began Feb. 28. Syria has been used as a transit route for Iranian-supplied weapons to Hezbollah, and Israeli airstrikes have repeatedly targeted Iranian-linked facilities in the country.