Syrian Security Forces Arrest Nine-Member ISIS Cell In Khan Arnabah, Quneitra

Syrian security forces dismantled an Islamic State-linked cell in Khan Arnabah in Quneitra Governorate, with the Internal Security Forces and the General Intelligence Service carrying out the operation in a joint effort.

“dismantled a nine-member cell affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS)”

The Media Line

The Media Line said the cell was a nine-member group affiliated with ISIS and that all members were arrested, including leader Musab Khalil al-Sheikh, known as “al-Sini.”

ABC News

Arab News also reported that Syrian security forces arrested nine members of a cell affiliated with Daesh in the southern province of Quneitra, with the Interior Ministry saying the suspects were detained in Khan Arnabah.

The Interior Ministry statement described preliminary investigations finding the cell carried out tasks for ISIS including collecting weapons and transporting explosive devices and related materials, along with other activities intended to support ISIS’s operations.

Multiple outlets tied the operation to a specific cell leader, with The Media Line saying Internal Security Forces reported that the leader was Musab Khalil al-Sheikh, known as “al-Sini.”

Al-Jazira Net reported that the Syrian Ministry of Interior said the internal security forces, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Directorate, arrested a cell of 9 individuals affiliated with the Islamic State in Khan Arnabeh, and said the cell’s self-proclaimed leader was nicknamed "the Chinese."

Al Jazeera

Both accounts described the cell’s work as logistical and operational support, with The Media Line saying al-Sheikh had previously been active within ISIS ranks in Damascus and its countryside, the Syrian desert, and villages in the Hauran region.

The Jerusalem Post framed the same Interior Ministry account as part of “ongoing efforts to track down ISIS members and disrupt the group's supply networks,” describing tasks including collecting weapons and transporting explosive devices and other related materials.

After the arrests, Syrian authorities said the detainees were referred for further investigation and legal proceedings, with The Media Line stating that “All nine detainees had been referred to the relevant judicial authorities.”

“All nine detainees had been referred to the relevant judicial authorities”

The Media Line

Al-Jazira Net similarly said the statement confirmed that “all those arrested have been referred to the competent authorities to complete investigations and take legal action against them.”

JFeed described the raid as a targeted counterterrorism operation along the border with Israel in Khan Arnabah, and said Syrian security officials confirmed the capture of at least nine individuals residing within the governorate.

The Media Line placed the operation in a sensitive security zone near the Israeli border in Quneitra province, while also saying Syrian authorities continue security operations against ISIS cells and support networks in different parts of the country.