Khaberni - The Syrian Interior Ministry announced today, Thursday, the thwarting of a terrorist plot by ISIS, which was targeting the lives of civilians during New Year's celebrations.
The ministry said in a press statement today, "Within the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, and as a result of the precise monitoring of the movements of ISIS terrorist cells, and based on the intelligence cooperation with partner agencies in counter-terrorism, information became available about the organization's intention to execute suicide operations and attacks targeting New Year's celebrations in several provinces, particularly the city of Aleppo, through targeting churches and civilian gathering places."
It added, "As part of the proactive response, stringent security measures were taken, including bolstering protection around churches, deploying fixed and mobile patrols, and establishing checkpoints in various areas of the city."
It pointed out that "during the operations of one of the checkpoints in the Bab Al-Faraj area in Aleppo, one of the officers suspected a person who was later identified as belonging to ISIS. While attempting to verify his status, the terrorist element opened fire, leading to the martyrdom of one police officer, then the terrorist detonated himself, resulting in the wounding of two officers during their attempt to arrest him."
The ministry clarified, "In light of this painful incident, it extends its deepest condolences to the family of the heroic martyr and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," emphasizing that "the heroic spirit displayed by our elements was a decisive factor in thwarting a dangerous terrorist plot that aimed to target the safe lives of civilians during the New Year's celebrations."
