Damascus: Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced that authorities have apprehended a cell responsible for recent 'terrorist bombings' in Damascus. The announcement comes two days after the bombings shook the capital.

According to Anadolu Agency, Khattab stated that the cell members are currently in custody. The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported his assurance that the identities, roles, and affiliations of the suspects will be revealed after the completion of the investigations. Details about the suspects and their arrest circumstances remain undisclosed.

Syrian state broadcaster Al-Ikhbariyah TV cited Brig. Gen. Ahmed Al-Dalati, head of internal security in the Damascus countryside, confirming that initial investigations indicate the cell's connection to the ISIS terrorist organization. The Interior Ministry's statement detailed that internal security forces, alongside the General Intelligence Service, executed simultaneous raids in Damascus and its countryside, leading to the arrests. The raids targeted areas including Al-Qutayfah, Sayyidah Zainab, Qudsaya, and Ash al-Warwar.

The bombings, which occurred near the Ministry of Tourism building, resulted in one death and 36 injuries. The attacks coincided with a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Damascus. As no group has claimed responsibility, Syrian authorities are intensifying efforts to bolster security following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad's regime in late 2024.