Syrian security forces arrest former ISIS figure in Palmyra
DEIR EZ-ZOR, Syria (North Press) – Internal Security Forces in the city of Palmyra, central Syria, arrested a former figure affiliated with the Islamic State group (ISIS) after he reportedly resumed activity in the area, a security source told North Press on Wednesday.
The source said the arrest was carried out at dawn in coordination with intelligence units. The suspect was identified as Salem al-Mohammed, known by the alias “Abu Hayat al-Uzbeki,” described as a former ISIS figure.
According to the source, security forces apprehended him near the archaeological site of Palmyra, where he had been hiding in the Syrian desert.
He was said to have reappeared following a recent audio message attributed to the group’s spokesperson days earlier.
The source added that al-Mohammed had previously held the position of “zakat emir” for ISIS in Palmyra.
Authorities said that details of the investigation would be released later, including recorded confessions, once the objectives of the security operation are completed.
No official statement has yet been issued by the Internal Security Forces regarding the arrest.