As the battle against extremism continues to evolve, recent developments from Syria signal a significant step forward in regional security. The Syrian Ministry of Interior has confirmed the arrest of Taha al-Zoubi, a key figure within ISIS, amidst ongoing efforts to dismantle the remnants of terrorist networks operating in the region. This operation not only highlights the ongoing commitment of local security forces but also underscores the collaborative frameworks being utilized to combat terrorism.
Syria’s Ministry of Interior has announced the successful arrest of Taha al-Zoubi, a prominent leader within the ISIS group, during a meticulously executed security operation in the outskirts of Damascus. According to reports from the state-run SANA news agency, this operation involved the effective collaboration of local authorities alongside an anti-ISIS alliance that includes the United States-led coalition.
Brigadier General Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security in Damascus, revealed that the operation targeted an ISIS hideout in Maadamiya, located to the southwest of the capital. Accompanying al-Zoubi’s arrest were the seizure of a suicide belt and a military weapon, indicative of the serious threats posed by such individuals. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has yet to publicly confirm the operation.
Al-Dalati noted that al-Zoubi, also referred to as Abu Omar Tibiya, previously held the position of “wali,” or governor, of Damascus for ISIS, with several alleged associates apprehended alongside him. His arrest is viewed as a decisive blow to ISIS networks operating in the capital region, demonstrating the readiness and effectiveness of Syria’s security apparatus.
The general emphasized that this operation sends a clear message to those involved in terrorist activities or supporting ISIS: justice will prevail, and they will be pursued relentlessly. While ISIS perceives the current government in Damascus as illegitimate, its focus has now shifted primarily toward conducting operations against Kurdish forces in the northern regions of Syria.
Historically, at the height of its power, ISIS controlled territory across both Iraq and Syria, ruling over a swath of land equivalent to half the size of the United Kingdom, with Raqqa serving as the capital of its self-proclaimed “caliphate.” While the group faced defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, remnants of its fighters continue to pose threats, carrying out attacks not only in these countries but also in regions across Africa and Afghanistan.
The arrest of al-Zoubi reflects a commitment to maintaining security and stability within Syria, reinforcing the collaborative efforts aimed at eradicating the dangers of extremism.
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