Syrian Security Forces identify cell accused of Killing 3 members in Daraa
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian Internal Security forces in Daraa Governorate have identified a cell accused of killing three of their members during a security operation in al-Sanamayn, state news agency SANA reported on Thursday.
The operation followed security monitoring and investigations that identified Mohsen al-Haymed and Ahmed al-Othman, also known as “al-Kashki,” as leaders of the cell, Daraa Internal Security commander Brig. Gen. Hossam Mamoun al-Tahan told SANA.
Security forces searched the homes of the two suspects and found weapons, ammunition, explosives prepared for detonation, and equipment used to manufacture explosives, according to al-Tahan.
Al-Tahan said security forces were continuing to search for other members of the cell, with the aim of arresting those involved and referring them to the competent judicial authorities.
The Interior Ministry had previously said that a security operation in al-Sanamayn had dismantled several criminal cells, as well as cells it said were linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), and that some of the groups had maintained links and coordination.
Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba said security forces had arrested five wanted individuals during the operations, adding that those detained would be referred to the judiciary.
The operation followed the killing of three Internal Security members and the injury of others early Thursday while they were carrying out an operation to arrest a wanted person in al-Sanamayn, according to SANA.
According to field sources cited by the Horan Free League, a security patrol raided a house where several wanted individuals were reportedly sheltering before coming under heavy gunfire from several positions around the site, triggering armed clashes.
The clashes killed three members of the patrol — Mustafa Saad al-Din, Salloum al-Masalmeh and Nael al-Safadi — and wounded several others.
Following the clashes, Internal Security forces increased their deployment in al-Sanamayn and sent reinforcements to areas where the fighting took place, while continuing efforts to track members of the group and those suspected of involvement in the attack.