The Syrian Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced a series of counterterrorism operations this month targeting remnants of the former Assad regime and ISIS cells in several provinces. According to an official statement posted on the ministry’s Facebook page, Internal Security Forces in Tartus, in cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Branch, arrested Ali Flarah on October 19. Authorities said Flarah was planning attacks against Internal Security and Ministry of Defense (MoD) sites while coordinating with Ghiath Dallah, described as a “criminal” by the ministry.
Investigators said Flarah attempted to recruit individuals hostile to the state and was implicated in past crimes against civilians, including kidnapping, extortion and murder, during his time in the Palestine Branch. A weapons cache discovered in the Drikish woods was reportedly prepared for use in attacks on government forces. The ministry said the suspect was referred to judicial authorities for prosecution and reaffirmed its “commitment to preserving national security and stability.”
Former Assad Regime Figures Pursued
Security operations have extended beyond Tartus. On October 20, the ministry announced the arrest of former Colonel Muhammad Nadeem al-Shab in Latakia. Shab, known as the “right-hand man” of Muhammad Jaber, once led the pro-regime “Desert Falcons” militia, which received Iranian and Russian support during the war. Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz al-Ahmad, head of internal security in Latakia, said the arrest followed “months of field monitoring,” and that Shab was involved in attacks on security and defense facilities during clashes in March.
Earlier in October, security forces also detained Colonel Qusay Wajih Ibrahim, former commander of the “Mountain Battalion,” and Namir Badi al-Assad, who led a terrorist cell operating between Qardaha and Damascus. Both are accused of orchestrating attacks and extortion schemes during the final years of the former regime.
Continuing Pursuit of War Crimes Suspects
The Interior Ministry said it remains focused on apprehending former officials and militia leaders accused of human rights violations. Among them is Samer Omran, the former head of Military Security in Daraa, who was captured earlier this month in Latakia’s countryside.
A ministry source told local outlets that Omran was “one of the most prominent figures involved in assassinations and torture” in Daraa and had evaded capture for years. The ministry also cited previous arrests of figures such as Colonel Thaer Hussein, a Saydnaya Prison official, and members of Hezbollah-linked cells in Damascus’ western countryside.
Renewed ISIS Activity in the Syrian Desert
Despite the government’s operations, ISIS attacks continue in central Syria. Local SDF-outlet North Press reported that ISIS militants killed a shepherd in Palmyra on Sunday, accusing him of “sorcery.” The UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, warned earlier this year that ISIS remains active in the Syrian desert and “continues to exploit security gaps, engage in covert operations and incite sectarian tensions in the country.”
The MoI said it will continue pursuing all armed groups that “threaten the safety of citizens,” emphasizing the fight against terrorism—whether from ISIS or Assad remnants—remains central to restoring security across the country.
