Syrian Authorities Link Damascus Explosions During Macron Visit to ISIS Cell

Syrian security forces have uncovered a connection between the explosions in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit and an ISIS-linked terror cell. Several suspects were arrested in extensive raids across the Qutaifa area and its suburbs, as well as in the Sayyida Zainab and Ash al-Warwar neighborhoods of Damascus. Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated that the identities of those detained will be revealed once the investigation concludes.

The blasts occurred just days after another deadly attack in the capital, which killed ten people and injured over 20 at a café near the Justice Palace. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack. Meanwhile, Syrian authorities continue their crackdown on terrorist networks, announcing the arrest of Firas al-Dagher, a prominent ISIS operative and former personal aide to the late ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, along with other key figures within the organization.

The ongoing security operations reflect Damascus's intensified efforts to dismantle ISIS cells amid heightened tensions and recent attacks targeting the city during high-profile visits such as that of Macron and Syrian opposition figure Ahmad al-Shara. The investigation into the recent explosions remains active, with further details expected to be disclosed in due course.