By Nohad Topalian | 2026-08-27

Syrian Internal Security Forces, alongside the General Intelligence Directorate, are actively waging a campaign to eliminate dangerous "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) remnants.

On August 7, these forces killed two ISIS operatives planting explosive devices near the Sayyida Zeinab area of rural Damascus.

Officers grew suspicious of two masked individuals preparing homemade explosives for a planned attack against a government site.

Weapons and explosive materials were seized from the suspects, confirming their direct affiliation with the terrorist organization ISIS.

External powers fuel security volatility

Mohammed al-Ayed, editor-in-chief of the Syrian News Network, believes ISIS activities align with interests of powers harmed by stability.

"Tehran benefits from keeping the Syrian arena in a state of security volatility, amidst its open conflict with Washington," he told Al-Fassel.

He said that ISIS attempts to target sensitive sites like Sayyida Zeinab aim to reignite deep sectarian polarization.

"They aim to portray the new administration as incapable of protecting sectarian diversity and to pressure US influence and alliances," he said.

Cornering ISIS, strengthening stability

Ahmed Kamel, editor-in-chief of the Al-Ayyam al-Suriyya platform, said that ISIS is being cornered following the departure of various foreign networks.

"This exit includes groups like Lebanese Hizbullah and Iraqi Shia militias, which had operated within the country for many years," he told Al-Fassel.

Syria recently witnessed a resurgence of ISIS after an audio recording in February from spokesman Abu Hudhayfah al-Ansari urged new attacks.

Al-Ansari specifically called on fighters to battle the new Syrian government as a top priority for the terrorist group.

Intelligence successes bolster national security

Kamel believes the army and internal security forces are "achieving remarkable success in combating terrorism to bolster national stability."

Significant measures are currently being taken to dry up sources and root causes that drive people to join ISIS.

Current government forces demonstrate the capability to infiltrate ISIS networks, uncover hideouts, and engage in direct combat operations.

Al-Ayed described these intelligence successes in thwarting attacks as proof of the security apparatus's ability to maneuver and contain threats.

Operational coordination with Washington and neighboring countries remains a vital tool to cement legitimacy and combat cross-border terrorism.

Ultimately, officials stressed that citizens must remain vigilant by reporting suspected activity to complement efforts aimed at neutralizing extremists.