Syrian internal security forces uncovered and captured an ISIS cell in the city of Khan Arnabeh in the Quneitra Governorate, a strategic location just a few kilometers from Israel's border in the Golan Heights.
According to reports from the Syrian security establishment, the nine members of the terrorist cell were involved in collecting weapons, transporting explosive devices and components used to assemble them, and facilitating the movement of ISIS operatives in the area.
Among those arrested was the cell's leader, Musab Khalil al-Sheikh, known by the nickname "The Chinese."
The capture of the cell in southern Syria comes amid another counterterrorism operation carried out last month, when Syrian authorities thwarted a major weapons-smuggling attempt near the border with Iraq. An investigation reportedly found that the shipment was destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon. The seizure of the truck prevented the transfer of 150 explosive drones, long-range missiles, and anti-tank missiles.
These developments come just two weeks after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa told Al Jazeera that Syria was refraining from military action against Israel because it had no interest in such a confrontation.
Al-Sharaa also revealed that his government was working to formulate a security agreement with Israel in cooperation with additional countries, a move that could potentially pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. At the same time, he insisted that Syria would not compromise on its rights to the "occupied Golan."