Security
Syria dismantles ISIS cell behind recent bombings
Syrian security forces have broken up an ISIS cell linked to deadly Damascus bombings, highlighting ongoing efforts to dismantle extremist networks.
![A Syrian security personnel stands near the Four Seasons Hotel after two explosions rocked the area earlier while Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was meeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace, in Damascus, July 7, 2026. [Omar Albam/Middle East Images via AFP]](/gc1/images/2026/07/27/57086-afp__20260707__mei-syr-oram--600_384.webp)
By Al-Fassel |
Syrian security forces captured an "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) cell responsible for twin bombings during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the arrests less than 48 hours after the July 7 blasts near the Four Seasons Hotel.
The two blasts struck central Damascus, killing one person and wounding 18, near the hotel where Macron had spent the night.
The interior ministry said security forces dismantled the entire cell through coordinated raids targeting suspects' locations across Damascus and its countryside.
Investigators tracked one member through surveillance footage, then used that lead to identify and locate the rest of the group.
Additionally, authorities emphasized that vigilant community reporting of terrorist activities was crucial to capturing the bombers.
Attack failed to derail diplomacy
The bombings failed to harm their intended target, since the blasts occurred only after Macron had already departed the hotel safely.
Syrian state media announced his arrival at the presidential palace to meet President Ahmed al-Sharaa only moments after the explosions.
Rather than destabilizing the visit, the attack pushed both governments toward closer cooperation and renewed diplomatic commitments.
Macron said "we must not let ourselves be destabilized" by such attacks and the two leaders vowed to boost ties with new ambassadors.
Crackdown on ISIS
Khattab said the identities, roles and affiliations of the cell's members would be revealed to the public once investigations conclude.
Preliminary investigations showed the cell was affiliated with ISIS, though the group has not formally claimed responsibility for the attack.
The bombing followed a broader pattern of ISIS activity in Syria, according to security officials tracking the group.
Syria's Interior Ministry also announced the arrest of Firas Al Dagher, a former personal aide to ISIS founder Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
These arrests reflect a broader, ongoing crackdown on ISIS remnants as Syria's new leadership works to consolidate security nationwide.