Government campaign in Deir ez-Zor targets ISIS cells, detains personnel
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Security services affiliated with the Syrian transitional government forces arrested on Monday night several individuals in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, including members of their own ranks, amid a recent surge in attacks by the Islamic State (ISIS) targeting government positions in various areas.
A security source from Deir ez-Zor told North Press that the Syrian government’s intelligence service detained three individuals from the cty of al-Quriyah in Deir ez-Zor eastern countryside, who were formerly affiliated with ISIS.
The source added that another patrol arrested two members of the General Security apparatus in the town of al-Mayadin following an attack that targeted personnel at the security center the previous night.
Among those detained was a man identified as Abu Hamza al-Idlibi, described as a former ISIS member.
In the town of al-Asharah, security forces conducted raids in several neighborhoods and arrested three individuals on charges of belonging to the group.
According to the source, patrols confiscated light weapons, ammunition, and documents allegedly confirming the involvement of some detainees in communication with ISIS.
The arrests come as ISIS activity has increased in parts of Deir ez-Zor, with the group carrying out intermittent attacks against Syrian government forces despite ongoing security campaigns in the region.