Syrian authorities arrest nine-member ISIS cell in town adjacent to Israel's demilitarized zone

Syrian security forces have apprehended a nine-member ISIS cell in Khan Arnabah, a town in Quneitra Province situated adjacent to the demilitarized zone along the border with Israel. The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed the arrests on Sunday, stating the cell engaged in various activities to support the terrorist group's operations.

According to the ministry, the cell's tasks included collecting weapons and transporting explosive devices and related materials. The arrested leader, Musab Khalil al-Sheikh, also known as "al-Sini" or "the Chinese," is reportedly linked to terror operations across multiple Syrian provinces. Damascus claims Sheikh previously operated with a cell led by ISIS's former southern commander in Syria, who was killed in 2022.

These arrests are part of broader security efforts to track down ISIS members and disrupt their supply networks. In June, the Interior Ministry announced the detention of 235 ISIS members during the second quarter of 2026. These operations, conducted across several provinces, led to the dismantling of seven ISIS cells and the seizure of numerous weapons, explosive devices, and electronic equipment. The ministry also reported that US Central Command (CENTCOM) recently killed a senior ISIS terrorist in northeast Syria.