In a significant development, Syrian authorities, in coordination with the US-led coalition, have detained a prominent leader of the Islamic State (IS) in Damascus. The arrest was confirmed by General Ahmed al-Dalati and reported by state media.
The individual, Taha al-Zoubi—better known by his nom de guerre, Abu Omar Tabiya—was apprehended on Wednesday alongside several associates. General Dalati stated that “our special units, in collaboration with intelligence and forces from the international coalition, executed a security operation targeting an IS hideout.”
This operation comes on the heels of a tragic attack on December 13, which claimed the lives of three Americans, including two soldiers and a civilian, in Palmyra, located in central Syria. The US government attributed this assault to a lone operator affiliated with IS.
Interestingly, Syrian officials allege that the assailant had ties to the country’s security forces but was on the verge of dismissal due to extremist views.
This arrest marks a notable moment in ongoing efforts to combat militant threats in the region. (NTB)