The Syrian Interior Ministry says 235 suspected ISIS operatives were arrested over three months, including 198 Syrians and 37 foreigners, and seven plots were disrupted across multiple provinces. Security raids in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Deir ez-Zor recovered 22 explosive devices, 25 weapons, six vehicles and numerous electronic devices. The Counterterrorism Department and General Intelligence Directorate led intelligence-driven operations, which officials say were aided by information from detainees and followed a political cooperation declaration with the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS.
Syria Detains 235 Suspected ISIS Members Over Three Months, Foils Seven Plots
A Syrian army soldier stands guard next to an armoured vehicle positioned along the SyrianLebanese border in the rural area of Al Qusayr on April 1, 2026; Illustrative. (photo credit: Bakr ALKASEM / AFP via Getty Images)
Syrian authorities announced that security forces detained 235 people suspected of links to the Islamic State group (ISIS) during a three-month campaign aimed at dismantling active cells and preventing attacks across the country.
Operation Summary
The Interior Ministry said coordinated security and intelligence operations across several Syrian provinces uncovered and disrupted seven separate ISIS operations. Of the 235 detainees, 198 were Syrian nationals and 37 were foreign citizens. Authorities reported 80 arrests in March, 99 in April and 56 in May.
Seizures and Arrest Locations
Officials said the operations dismantled cells in Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs and Deir ez-Zor and resulted in the seizure of 22 explosive devices, 25 weapons, six vehicles and dozens of electronic devices used for communication and planning.
Who Led the Campaign
The Interior Ministry said the campaign was carried out by the Counterterrorism Department in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate. Raids targeted hideouts and facilities allegedly used for planning, logistics and coordination.
Syrian government forces are deployed near Al-Aqtan prison on January 19, 2026 in Raqqa, Syria. (credit: Ali Haj Suleiman/Getty Images)
Intelligence and Investigations
Authorities said interrogations of detainees yielded actionable intelligence about sleeper cells, financing channels and communication networks. Officials said seized materials helped investigators trace support networks and disrupt attempts to reestablish a presence in some areas.
International Coordination
The wave of arrests follows Syria's November 10 political cooperation declaration with the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS, a step described by Syrian officials as aimed at strengthening political and security coordination rather than joining the coalition's military operations.
Why This Matters
Although ISIS no longer controls large territories in Syria, the group remains a threat through small-scale attacks, covert operations and decentralized cells that can target security forces, infrastructure and communities. Officials emphasized that intelligence-led, preventive actions are increasingly central to counterterrorism efforts.
"Countering terrorism will remain a top priority," the Interior Ministry said, urging citizens to report suspicious activity that could help prevent attacks or expose individuals linked to extremist organizations.
Authorities say continued coordination among state institutions and international partners is essential to prevent ISIS from regaining momentum and to protect Syria's ongoing stabilization and reconstruction efforts.
Help us improve.
