Explosives and weapons seized – with 71 arrests – as Syria launches clampdown on Islamic State cells

Syria has carried out pre-emptive operations targeting Islamic State cells – arresting 71 people during 61 raids.

Explosives and weapons were seized, with the interior ministry revealing they were working on “precise” intelligence information.

“Many” of those detained were wanted criminals, with forces obtaining evidence that linked them to terrorist activities.

A statement added that the operation was part of “ongoing national efforts to combat terrorism and confront plots targeting the country’s security and citizens”.

The raids come as Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa travels to Washington for a meeting with Donald Trump, where he will join a coalition against IS.

Meanwhile, the US is preparing to establish a military presence in Damascus to enable a security pact that is being brokered between Syria and Israel.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, officials intercepted information that suggested Islamic State was planning to launch new attacks.

Interior ministry spokesman Nour al Din al Baba told al Ekhbariya: “The current major threat lies in IS’ attempts to reconstitute itself and recruit new members, particularly among the youth.”

Former president Bashar al Assad was ousted late last year after 25 years in power and fled to Russia after his regime came to an end.

Since then, al Sharaa’s transitional administration has been attempting to restore security, introduce economic reforms, and cooperate with international partners.

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On Friday, the UK and US removed sanctions against al Sharaa – following in the footsteps of the UN Security Council.

The State Department said this was “in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership”, including work to counter narcotics and eliminate chemical weapons.

Al Sharaa had faced a travel ban, asset freeze and an arms embargo for well over a decade because he was previously affiliated with al Qaeda.