Internal Security Forces across North and East Syria continue to pursue ISIS cells

DAYRO ZCURO, Syria — After several days of surveillance operations, the Counter Terrorism Unit (HAT) of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) of North and East Syria arrested a seven-member Islamic State (ISIS) cell in the town of Al-Shuhail in the eastern countryside of Dayro Zcuro (Deir ez-Zor).

According to security officials, the cell was manufacturing explosive devices and is directly responsible for some of the assassinations on tribal leaders and local administration and security personnel in the area. Cell members were planning other terrorist operations and was well organized with each members assigned specific responsibilities.

They also seized a number of completed explosive devices, raw materials, mortars, grenades, copper wiring, and large quantities of highly explosive TNT and anti-tank mines.

It is believed by security officials in the city that cells operated by both the Syrian regime and Turkish intelligence are operating in the area.

The leader of the Shaddadi Military Council, a member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Sayel al-Zawbaa told North Press Agency that the security apparatus of their forces arrested more than 15 cells that had targeted tribal leaders and the SDF checkpoints across Dayro Zcuro and North and East Syria.

He also clarified that ISIS cells, the Syrian government, Iranian government, and Turkish intelligence have, separately, been behind assassinations in the region.

“The cells’ confessions will be published later via the media, as investigations are still continuing with them,” al-Zawbaa stated, indicating that during the confessions it was confirmed that ISIS activity has been increasing in Dayro Zcuro.

In related news, the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Mabbug (Manbij) Military Council (MMC) arrested members of a terrorist cell following an investigation into suspected individuals.

Over the weekend, the ISF of Mabbug discovered and disarmed four explosive devices along a major roadway.