Syrian Interior Ministry Announces Arrest of 'ISIS Leader' Responsible for Imam Ali Mosque Bombing in Homs

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of a senior leader of the “Daesh” (ISIS) organization in Homs Governorate. The ministry stated that the General Intelligence Directorate, in cooperation with the Internal Security Command in Damascus countryside, arrested the executive arm of the terrorist Daesh organization in Homs, identified as Khaled Raed Al-Biruni, known by the alias “Abu Hassan Doushka,” during a security operation carried out in the town of Hajira in the Damascus countryside.

The ministry, via its Telegram channel yesterday, said that security data and ongoing investigations confirmed that the detainee held the position of military commander for the so-called “Homs Province” of the organization. He was responsible for planning and overseeing the execution of several terrorist acts in the city, including the preparation and use of improvised explosive devices, and carrying out sectarian-motivated attacks. He was also held responsible for the bombing that targeted the Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in the Wadi al-Dhahab district of Homs in December of last year.

The ministry emphasized that relevant authorities are continuing their investigations with the detainee to uncover the details of his activities and to complete legal procedures against him.

A terrorist bombing on December 26 last year targeted the Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib Mosque in Homs, resulting in the martyrdom of eight people and injuring more than 18 others. The crime sparked a wide wave of condemnation and denunciation at the Arab, regional, and international levels.