Intelligence operation foils planned suicide attacks on celebrations as security forces engage bomber in checkpoint clash, highlighting persistent militant threat.
DAMASCUS/ALEPPO — Syrian security forces have disrupted a Daesh (Islamic State) plan to conduct suicide attacks against churches and New Year celebrations across multiple provinces, the Interior Ministry announced Thursday.
The ministry stated that intelligence gathered through coordinated counterterrorism monitoring revealed specific plots targeting civilian gathering areas, with churches in Aleppo being a primary focus. In response, authorities implemented heightened security measures including reinforced church protection, increased patrols, and strategic checkpoints.
During one such operation at a checkpoint in Aleppo’s Bab Al-Faraj district, security forces confronted a suspected Daesh operative. The encounter turned violent when the suspect opened fire, killing one Internal Security soldier before detonating explosives that wounded two others.
This foiled plot occurs amid escalating Daesh activity in Syria. The militant group was previously blamed for a December 13 attack in Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian, prompting retaliatory American airstrikes against Daesh positions.
Syrian authorities have concurrently intensified operations against the group, announcing on December 25 the elimination of a senior Daesh commander.
The latest incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Syria as remnants of the extremist organization continue to exploit instability, even during seasonal celebrations.
