Syria: Seven Dead in Operation Against ISIS-Linked Cell

15:09

An operation by the Syrian internal security forces against a cell linked to the Islamic State organization (ISIS) resulted in seven deaths in the Damascus region on Thursday, October 22, 2026. According to Syrian authorities, two security force members were killed and five jihadists were neutralized. The intervention also left five law enforcement officers injured and led to the arrest of six individuals.

A Security Operation Near Damascus

In a statement, the Syrian internal security forces announced that they had conducted an operation in the locality of Rankous, located near the capital. The intervention was carried out in coordination with the general intelligence services and targeted a cell described by authorities as affiliated with ISIS.

According to the same source, the group members reportedly refused to surrender and opened fire on the forces involved in the operation. The exchanges of gunfire cost the lives of two internal security agents and injured five others.

Five Jihadists Killed and Six Arrested

Syrian authorities indicated that five members of the cell were killed during the clashes, while six other individuals were arrested. Law enforcement also announced the seizure of weapons and explosive belts during the intervention.

These details were provided by the Syrian security services. No further information regarding the identities of those arrested or the specific circumstances of the operation was disclosed in the reported information.

Authorities Continue Operations Against ISIS-Linked Networks

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad at the end of 2024, the new Syrian authorities have regularly announced arrests of individuals suspected of belonging to networks linked to the Islamic State organization, as well as operations aimed at dismantling these structures.

Damascus accuses these groups of being involved in several attacks carried out on Syrian territory. The operation conducted in Rankous is part of this context of fighting against jihadist cells, as authorities seek to strengthen security control in the country.