Syrian Security Forces Detain Two Suspected IS Operatives in Deir Ezzor

DAMASCUS — Syrian internal security forces announced Sunday the apprehension of two individuals accused of belonging to the Daesh terrorist organization in the eastern governorate of Deir Ezzor. Authorities allege the pair were responsible for a string of targeted assassinations, including the recent killing of a Ministry of Defense official.

Since assuming control in late 2024 following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, the new administration has conducted regular operations against suspected Daesh affiliates and sleeper cells.

In an official statement, the internal security apparatus detailed that the arrests followed a period of close intelligence surveillance in Deir Ezzor. The suspects stand accused of executing a series of assassinations within the governorate, most notably the targeting of Ministry of Defense member Ibrahim al-Jassem in the city of Mayadin.

Although Daesh lost its last territorial strongholds in Syria in 2019 — following its 2017 defeat in Iraq — the diminished group continues to claim sporadic attacks, primarily directed at Syrian security personnel.

Authorities previously attributed a bombing in Damascus to the group during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit in July, stating the responsible cell had been dismantled. A United Nations Security Council report from the same month estimated the group maintains approximately 3,000 fighters in Syria and noted several foiled plots targeting high-ranking officials, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

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