Şahin Demir
09 October 2026•Update: 09 October 2026
Syrian security forces dismantled a cell linked to the ISIS (Daesh) terrorist group in the Homs countryside, arresting two suspects and thwarting planned attacks, state-run Alikhbariah TV reported Friday.
The broadcaster, citing the Internal Security Forces, said the operation was carried out jointly by the General Intelligence Directorate and Internal Security Forces in the Al-Houla area.
Two suspected members of the cell were arrested, and security forces seized two explosive devices prepared for attacks, according to the authorities.
Investigations indicated that the suspects had been tasked with receiving and transporting explosive devices on behalf of ISIS, the broadcaster reported.
The suspects had also conducted surveillance of places of worship and Internal Security patrols as potential targets, according to the report.
Authorities said one suspect was caught while attempting to plant an explosive device on a railway track.
Security officials said investigations were continuing to identify and pursue other members of the cell and determine the extent of its connections and activities.
On Tuesday, Syrian authorities announced the arrest of a senior ISIS operative accused of planning several attacks in Homs.
Authorities linked the operative to a December 2025 mosque bombing that killed eight people and injured 18 others.
On Sept. 28, security forces said they had dismantled another ISIS cell operating across four provinces, including Homs, and seized explosives prepared for attacks.
Since the fall of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024, Syrian authorities have stepped up security operations against ISIS and other armed groups across the country.
