Syria arrests ISIS suspects in Homs security sweep after Palmyra terrorist attack

ISTANBUL

Syrian security forces have carried out a “decisive” operation against ISIS (Daesh) terrorist cells in the Homs countryside, arresting five suspects following a deadly attack near the ancient city of Palmyra that killed three Americans, the Interior Ministry said Sunday.

A ministry statement said the operation was launched in Palmyra after a “cowardly terrorist attack” carried out by an ISIS member on Saturday, targeting a meeting site of internal security leadership in Syria’s desert region that included a delegation from the international coalition against ISIS.

According to the statement, the security sweep was conducted in full coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate and coalition forces and was based on precise intelligence information. Five suspected individuals were arrested and immediately referred for interrogation.

The ministry said attacks on state institutions “will not go unanswered,” stressing that security forces have full readiness and capability to strike “with an iron fist” against anyone threatening Syria’s security and stability.

Local media earlier reported that Syrian authorities launched a security operation against ISIS (Deash) sleeper cells in the countryside of Homs province.

The operation came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that two US troops and a civilian were killed, and three other service members were injured in an ambush by an ISIS gunman in the Palmyra desert area.

US forces operate in Syria as part of an international coalition against ISIS, which was formed under US leadership in 2014. Syria joined the coalition on Nov. 12, 2025.

The coalition has carried out military operations against ISIS in Syria and Iraq since its formation, involving several countries, though Damascus was not previously a party to it.

Since the overthrow of the former regime of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Syria’s new administration has been seeking to restore security and stabilize conditions across the country.