Syria Arrests 235 ISIS Operatives in Three Months, Foils Seven Terror Plots

Syrian security forces have apprehended 235 Islamic State group (ISIS) operatives in a three-month sweep aimed at dismantling the organization's cells and preventing attacks. The Interior Ministry announced the arrests on Monday, detailing a campaign that disrupted seven planned terror operations across multiple provinces.

Figures released by the ministry show that 198 of those detained were Syrian nationals, while 37 were foreign citizens. The operations, conducted by the Counterterrorism Department and General Intelligence Directorate, led to the seizure of 22 explosive devices, 25 weapons, six vehicles, and numerous electronic devices. These materials are expected to provide crucial intelligence for tracing the group's support, financing, and communication networks.

Authorities dismantled seven ISIS cells in key provinces including Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Deir ez-Zor. The ministry stated that interrogations of detainees have yielded information on sleeper cells and the group's methods for attempting to re-establish a presence. ISIS continues to exploit Syria's complex security landscape and ongoing reconstruction challenges.

Syria has also increased its engagement in international counterterrorism efforts, signing a political cooperation declaration with the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November. Syrian officials characterized this as a political and security coordination arrangement, distinct from military participation.

“

ISIS remains a threat to Syria, increasingly relying on small-scale attacks, covert operations, and decentralized cells to target security forces, public facilities, and local communities.