Seven Killed in Clashes Between Syrian Security Forces and ISIS Affiliated Group
Syrian Internal Security Forces announced the death of two of their personnel and five ISIS members during a security operation in western Damascus countryside, amid ongoing escalation against the group's cells.
Translated by Qiyas from كويت نيوز — Original source
Syria’s Internal Security Forces announced on Thursday that two of their members and five fighters from a group affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS) were killed in clashes that erupted between them during a security operation carried out by authorities in the Damascus countryside.
Since coming to power in late 2024 following the ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syrian authorities have repeatedly announced the arrest of members or the dismantling of networks linked to the extremist group, which they accuse of carrying out several attacks in the country.
In a statement, as reported by the official Sana News Agency, the Internal Security Forces described a “distinctive security operation” conducted in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, which targeted a cell affiliated with the ISIS terrorist group in the town of Rankous in western Damascus countryside.
“The cell members refused to surrender and opened fire on security forces, leading to clashes that resulted in the martyrdom of two members and injuries to five others from the Internal Security Forces,” the statement added.
The operation concluded with the neutralization of five cell members, the arrest of six others, and the seizure of weapons and suicide vests, according to the statement.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of a senior ISIS figure, whom it said was responsible for bombing a mosque in a predominantly Alawite neighborhood in Homs (central Syria) last December, which killed eight people, as well as orchestrating other sectarian attacks.
The Syrian authorities, which joined the US-led international coalition against the group last year, face major security challenges. They regularly announce the arrest of ISIS leaders or members.
The group, which controlled large swathes of Iraq and Syria before being defeated militarily in its last Syrian stronghold in 2019, occasionally carries out attacks targeting Syrian security forces. Its cells remain active in certain areas, particularly in the Syrian desert.
In July, two simultaneous bombings using suicide vests targeted the area around a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Damascus. At the time, Syrian authorities stated that the cell involved in the bombings was affiliated with the Islamic State.
