At least three individuals serving in the Syrian internal security forces have been killed and other injuries have been reported after a shootout with an armed gang in southern Syria on Thursday. The shoot-out took place in the course of an operation undertaken by law enforcement officials in southern Syria in Daraa governorate. Syria Security Officers Killed
It has been reported from official sources that law enforcement officials were carrying out an operation in Sanamayn in order to arrest a high profile suspect. While the security forces were attempting to capture the suspect, there was an ambush from the armed group with the leader of the group being the suspect.
Local government officials later verified to news agencies that the targeted suspect and the accompanying gunmen maintain direct operational ties to Daesh. In response to the escalation, Syrian security authorities swiftly deployed heavily armed reinforcements across Sanamayn. Law enforcement officers established a strict movement lockdown and temporary curfew throughout the locality to secure the perimeter while search teams actively hunt for the remaining fugitives.
The deadly engagement underscores the persistent security hazards posed by remnant extremist networks operating in Syria’s southern provinces. Despite losing its last territorial stronghold in 2019, Daesh continues to operate underground sleeper cells throughout northern regions, the central Badia desert, and pockets of southern governorates such as Daraa. Notably, former top Daesh leader Abu al-Hassan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi was killed in Daraa governorate during violent clashes in 2022.
The latest counter-terrorism push reflects heightened anti-terror measures across the country following the Syrian government’s formal alignment with international coalition efforts designed to neutralize extremist threats. Operations in Sanamayn remain ongoing as specialized forces work to restore public stability and apprehend all remaining individuals involved in Thursday’s lethal ambush.
Regional security experts emphasize that neutralizing these insurgent pockets remains critical for stabilizing southern Syria and securing border corridors. Local authorities have reassured residents that intelligence gathering and precision search sweeps will persist until all individuals linked to the cell are apprehended and brought to justice. MENA News Agency
