Near Israel’s Border: Syria Says It Uncovered ISIS Cell Operating by the Golan Heights

Syria’s Internal Security Forces announced Sunday that they had arrested an ISIS cell operating in the Khan Arnabeh area of the Quneitra district, just a few miles from Israel’s border in the Golan Heights. According to the official statement, the cell carried out security-related activity for the terrorist organization, including collecting weapons, transferring explosive devices and equipment used to make them, and carrying out additional missions intended to support ISIS operatives in the area.<\/p>

According to Syrian authorities, nine suspects were arrested in the operation, including the cell’s leader, Musab Khalil al-Sheikh, known by the nickname “al-Sini.” Internal Security Forces stressed that the cell was active in “collecting weapons, transferring explosive devices and equipment for making explosive devices, and other operations for the benefit of ISIS operatives’ movements.”<\/p>

The announcement comes at a time when the Syrian regime has been publicizing a series of operations against terrorist elements and weapons smuggling along the country’s borders. Just last month, authorities said they had foiled an attempt to smuggle weapons across the border with Iraq, which they said were intended to reach Hezbollah in Lebanon.<\/p>

According to investigation findings released by the authorities, security forces stopped a truck loaded with weapons near the Iraqi border. Syria’s Interior Ministry said the truck contained 150 explosive drones, along with long-range missiles and anti-tank missiles, and that the shipment was intended for Hezbollah in Lebanon.<\/p>

The security developments are unfolding alongside Damascus’s efforts to advance a diplomatic track with Israel. About two weeks ago, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed the possibility of an agreement between the two countries in an interview with the Al Jazeera network. He said Syria is avoiding a military confrontation with Israel because it has no interest in one, and revealed that his country is working to advance a security agreement with Israel with the help of other countries.<\/p>

According to al-Sharaa, the success of the move could provide a foundation for a broader peace agreement in the future. At the same time, however, he said Damascus does not intend to give up its rights in the “occupied Golan.”<\/p>

Al-Sharaa’s comments also align with remarks he made in April. In an interview quoted by Turkey’s Anadolu news agency, he said negotiations with Israel were progressing with difficulty because of Israel’s presence on Syrian territory, but stressed that his country is serious about reaching an agreement. During a visit to Britain, he added that understandings had previously been reached through direct and indirect talks, but claimed that Israel backed out of them at the last minute.<\/p>