Syrian Intelligence Captures Senior ISIS Leader in Damascus

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian intelligence forces arrested Abu al-Harith al-Iraqi, a senior Iraqi commander of the Islamic State (ISIS), in Damascus on Saturday, marking a major breakthrough in counterterrorism efforts against the group’s underground networks.

According to a security source, al-Iraqi played a key role in ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria, overseeing foreign recruitment and managing logistical support for terrorist attacks. His capture comes as Syrian authorities intensify operations against ISIS sleeper cells operating in government-controlled areas.

Key ISIS Figure Behind Assassinations and Attacks

The Syrian security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that al-Iraqi was deeply involved in orchestrating attacks, including the assassination of former ISIS leader Maisar al-Jubouri, who had defected from the group.

“Al-Iraqi held a crucial role in planning and executing operations,” the source said. “He was responsible for organizing targeted killings and large-scale attacks, including a foiled plot to bomb the Sayyida Zainab shrine near Damascus.”

The Sayyida Zainab shrine, a highly symbolic religious site, has been a frequent target of jihadist groups due to its significance for Shiite Muslims. Security agencies claim the arrest of al-Iraqi disrupted an active ISIS cell that had been preparing for an attack in the area.

Counterterrorism Efforts Intensify

The arrest is part of an ongoing security crackdown against ISIS remnants, who have maintained a presence in Syria despite losing their territorial control in 2019. The group continues to operate through covert cells, launching sporadic attacks in both regime-held areas and regions under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

In recent months, Syrian security forces have arrested multiple ISIS operatives accused of planning attacks on infrastructure, military convoys, and high-profile targets. Intelligence reports indicate that ISIS is attempting to rebuild networks by infiltrating local communities, using tactics such as bribery and extortion to regain influence.

Regional and International Reactions

The capture of al-Iraqi has drawn attention from regional security analysts, who view it as a significant step in dismantling ISIS’s ability to conduct high-profile attacks in Syria and beyond.

While Syrian intelligence has not disclosed details about where al-Iraqi was hiding, sources suggest he may have been operating under a false identity before being tracked down through a months-long surveillance operation.

The arrest also comes as the U.S.-led coalition continues airstrikes against ISIS hideouts in eastern Syria, particularly in Deir ez-Zor and the Badia desert, where the group has been attempting to regroup.

What’s Next?

The Syrian government has yet to announce whether al-Iraqi will face trial in Syria or be extradited to Iraq, where he is wanted for multiple terror-related crimes. Experts say his arrest could lead to valuable intelligence on ISIS’s underground networks, potentially aiding future operations against terrorist cells in both Syria and Iraq.

Security officials warn, however, that despite such arrests, ISIS remains a persistent threat, capable of launching asymmetric attacks, particularly in areas of limited state control.

With ongoing counterterrorism operations, the region remains on high alert for potential retaliation from ISIS in response to the loss of a key commander.