Syrian authorities have arrested 235 people allegedly linked to the Islamic State (IS) group during operations conducted over the past three months, according to the Interior Ministry. Officials said the suspects belonged to seven cells operating across several provinces, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to combat the jihadist group.
In a statement published on 8 June, the Interior Ministry said 198 of those arrested were Syrian nationals and 37 were foreign fighters. The ministry reported that the operations were carried out alongside the General Intelligence Service and targeted cells in Damascus, Deir al-Zour, Hama, Aleppo and Homs.
Authorities also said they seized 120 items during the raids, including 25 weapons, six vehicles, 22 explosive devices and 67 electronic devices. State media described the arrests as part of broader counterterrorism efforts against IS networks operating in the country.
Syrian cleric Hudhaifa al-Daher told RT Arabic that IS has increasingly relied on lone-wolf tactics since losing its last territorial stronghold in Baghouz in 2019. He argued that Syria’s decision to join the US-led coalition against IS in November 2025 strengthened the government’s capabilities by providing intelligence support and technical assistance.
The announcement comes as concerns over IS activity persist. Earlier this month, Al-Yaum TV reported that the group had carried out 52 attacks in Syria since the start of 2026, describing it as a major obstacle to security and stability.
The latest arrests could further weaken IS networks inside Syria if sustained intelligence cooperation continues. However, the reported number of attacks this year suggests the group remains capable of carrying out operations despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
