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Syrian authorities have announced the arrest of a terrorist cell responsible for multiple attacks targeting the Mazzeh district and its military airport in Damascus, according to a statement from the Syrian Ministry of Interior. The ministry reported that security forces seized drones allegedly belonging to Hezbollah during the operation. This development comes as regional security forces intensify efforts to combat terrorist activities in Syria.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated that security units in the Damascus countryside conducted a series of precise operations that resulted in the complete dismantling of the terrorist cell and the arrest of all its members. According to the ministry, the arrests followed continuous field monitoring and tracking of rocket launch sites in the Daraya and Kafr Sousa areas.
Details of the Damascus Terrorist Cell Operation
Security efforts led to the identification of one of the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks, the ministry indicated. Through careful surveillance, authorities were able to uncover the remaining members of the cell. Multiple security raids were subsequently executed, resulting in the apprehension of all suspects involved in the operation.
During the raids, security forces confiscated several drones that were reportedly prepared for use in terrorist activities. The investigation revealed that the rockets, launch platforms, and seized drones originated from Hezbollah militias in Lebanon, according to the ministry’s statement. However, authorities have not provided specific details about the number of individuals arrested or the exact timeline of the attacks.
Iraq Receives ISIS Detainees from Syria
Meanwhile, Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Hisham al-Alawi announced that Iraq has received 450 ISIS detainees from Syria, including some leadership figures. Al-Alawi stated in a press release that the number of ISIS members arriving in Iraq remains very limited compared to the approximately 7,000 still held in Syrian facilities.
The deputy minister explained that some of the transferred detainees are Iraqi nationals, and authorities have worked to expedite their repatriation. According to al-Alawi, those who committed crimes will be referred to courts, while individuals whose guilt has not been proven will be transferred to rehabilitation centers for evaluation.
International Response to ISIS Detainees
The majority of detainees remaining in Syrian prisons represent more than 40 different nationalities, al-Alawi noted. Iraq has officially urged these countries for years to assume responsibility and repatriate their citizens to face justice under their respective legal systems. However, the response from most nations has been limited, though some countries have begun complying with Iraqi requests.
Additionally, the U.S. Central Command announced on January 21 the launch of an operation to transfer ISIS detainees from northeastern Syria to Iraq. This coordination reflects ongoing regional and international efforts to address the challenge of detained terrorists and prevent potential security threats.
In contrast to the limited international cooperation on detainee repatriation, the recent security operations in Damascus demonstrate increased vigilance by Syrian authorities against terrorist activities. The discovery of Hezbollah-linked weapons raises questions about cross-border militant networks operating in the region.
Further developments regarding the prosecution of the Damascus terrorist cell members and the processing of additional ISIS detainees transferred to Iraq are expected in the coming weeks. Authorities have not announced specific timelines for trials or indicated whether additional security operations are planned in the Damascus area.
