Syrian security forces suffer casualties in raid against IS-linked cell

Two Syrian security personnel were killed and five others wounded during a joint operation targeting an Islamic State (IS) linked cell in Rankous, located in the western Damascus countryside near the Lebanese border. The raid was conducted by the Internal Security Forces in coordination with the General Intelligence Service.

The incident follows a series of recent security operations aimed at dismantling militant cells. On October 16, authorities reported foiling a plot to attack a police patrol in the Damascus countryside, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of an explosive device. Additionally, security forces recently dismantled a cell in the Houla area of Homs province that was allegedly monitoring security patrols and places of worship to facilitate attacks.

These ongoing operations highlight persistent security challenges in Syria as authorities continue to target remnants of militant groups despite the loss of their territorial control.