Arrest of members of a terrorist cell accused of involvement in bomb-making and the preparation of explosive devices and mines. April 12, 2026 (Syrian Ministry of Interior/Facebook)
Syrian authorities announced they dismantled the cell responsible for
the recent bombings in Damascus arresting dozens of suspects as
investigators increasingly link the attacks to ISIS.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced July 9 members of the
“terrorist” cell behind the bombings that struck the capital
earlier this week are now in government custody.
He said
authorities will release the identities of the suspects, along with
details about their alleged roles and connections, after the
investigation is complete. The arrests followed what the Ministry of
Interior (MoI) described as “a complex intelligence operation”
carried out in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate
and the Counter-Terrorism
Department.
Security forces conducted simultaneous raids
across Damascus and its countryside, including the neighborhoods of
Hurriya, formerly known as Ash al-Warwar, Qatifa, Sayyida Zeinab and
the Qudsaya suburb. Security officials said about 30 people were
arrested during the operation. Investigators are continuing to
question the detainees as authorities seek to determine the full
scope of the alleged plot.
Initial Findings Point to ISIS
Brig. Gen. Ahmad al-Dalati, commander of internal security in rural Damascus, said preliminary investigations indicate the bombing cell was affiliated with ISIS. According to Dalati, investigators reviewed surveillance camera footage from the bombing sites, identifying one suspect. Authorities then monitored the individual, ultimately leading them to the remaining members of the network.
Dalati said the coordinated operation was carried out under the supervision of senior security officials culminating in the arrest of all members believed to have participated in the attacks. He added that investigators continue to examine the group’s broader connections and any additional individuals involved.
The MoI has not publicly identified the suspects or released evidence supporting the alleged ISIS affiliation. Officials said additional information will be made public once questioning concludes.
Bombings Coincided With Macron Visit
The investigation follows two July 7 explosions near the Ministry of Tourism in Damascus which occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria. The MoI said security personnel discovered two improvised explosive devices during field operations and began efforts to dismantle them. The devices exploded before they could be safely defused.
Officials said one device had been placed inside a parked vehicle while the second was concealed in a garbage container. MoI spokesman Nouruddin al-Baba said initial findings indicated the explosives had been planted only minutes before they detonated.
The Ministry of Health reported that one person was killed and 36 others were injured. Officials said the explosions occurred outside the designated security perimeter for Macron’s residence and did not disrupt the French president’s visit or scheduled meetings. The attacks came less than a week after another bombing struck Mushiriyah Cafe in central Damascus, killing ten civilians, renewing concerns over security in the capital.
Broader Counterterrorism Campaign Continues
Separate from the Damascus investigation, the MoI announced security forces dismantled several ISIS cells in southern Syria and arrested senior ISIS figure Firas al-Dagher. According to the ministry, Dagher held several leadership positions within the organization, including responsibility for the group’s “Lebanon and Palestine province.” Authorities also alleged he previously served as a personal escort to the group’s leader.
Officials said the dismantled cells were involved in assassinations, robberies targeting gold merchants in Daraa province and financing ISIS activities through the sale of stolen gold. Investigators said detainees confessed to killing two MoI personnel, carrying out an attempted assassination that resulted in a civilian’s death and planning additional attacks.
The announcement came one day after ISIS claimed responsibility for the killing of Rashad Khalaf al-Ghurair in the northern Deir Ezzor countryside. Syrian authorities said investigations into both the Damascus bombings and ISIS terrorist networks remain ongoing as security forces continue efforts to dismantle militant cells operating across the country.