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On June 28, the former branch of al-Qaedia in Syria, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a security operation against ISIS cells in the southeastern Idlib countryside, according to the Syrian pro-oppositions news outlet Enab Baladi.
Abu Ahmad al-Shami, a senior commander in HTS’ security forces, told the HTS-linked news network Iaba’a that the operation targeted several cells of ISIS, which had carried out many attacks in northern Syria. According to al-Shami, HTS’ security forces captured several members of ISIS and loads of weapons and explosives.
Also during the operation, a member of ISIS blew himself up with an explosive belt when HTS fighters approached his house in the town of Nayrab. Iba’a claimed that no fighters of HTS were killed or injured in the explosion.
The last three months witnessed several attacks of ISIS cells against HTS in the governorate of Idlib. The attacks included the abduction and execution of three fighters of HTS and the bombing of a headquarter of the group near the city of Idlib.
HTS carried out several similar security operations against ISIS cells during the last few months. However, these operations failed to put an end to the terrorist group’s activity in Idlib, likely due to the popularity of the terrorist group there.
Photos of HTS security operation:
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