Syrian authorities announced on Thursday the successful capture of an insurgent network linked to the Islamic State responsible for the twin bombings that rocked the capital city earlier this week. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab confirmed that the Damascus terrorist cell arrested by security forces is currently in state custody, with a full disclosure of their identities, roles, and organizational affiliations expected once preliminary interrogations conclude.
The coordinated security sweep was executed by the Internal Security Forces in tandem with the General Intelligence Service. Moving swiftly on precise intelligence monitoring, tactical teams launched simultaneous raids across multiple neighborhoods in Damascus and its surrounding countryside, including Al-Qutayfah, Sayyidah Zainab, Qudsaya, and Ash al-Warwar, detaining all primary suspects involved in the plot.
The underlying attack occurred on Tuesday near the Ministry of Tourism building and the Four Seasons hotel, deliberately coinciding with a high-profile diplomatic visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs)—one hidden inside a parked car and another concealed in a rubbish bin—detonated while bomb disposal specialists were attempting to neutralize them. The resulting blasts killed one person and wounded 36 others.
“We must at once stand alongside those who have been injured, continue to be uncompromising on security… but not let ourselves be destabilised,” French President Emmanuel Macron stated during a joint press briefing with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa following the incident.
The security breach underscores the fragile transition facing President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration as it tries to restore stability after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024.
