FILE IMAGE: Sputnik/ Iliya Pitalev.
On October 30, the Syrian military and intelligence deployed a large force in the southern city of Daraa to counter ISIS cells there.
The force was deployed in the southern part of Daraa city, which is commonly known as Daraa al-Balad. Most of the force came from 8th Brigade, a formation of the military’s 5th Corps that is mainly made of up local fighters and former rebels from the countryside of Daraa.
The deployment came just two days after a suicide bombing that targeted the house of a former rebel commander in Daraa al-Balad. The commander, Ghassan Akram Abazid, survived the attack. However, four of his relatives and neighbors were killed.
The attack was reportedly orchestrated by ISIS cells in Daraa al-Balad. The suicide bomber was identified as Abu Hamza al-Sbeinah, a member of the terrorist group.
ISIS have apparently ordered the attack in response to a recent security operation that targeted its cells in the town of Jasim in the western Daraa countryside. Some 20 terrorists were killed in the operation.
Syrian opposition activists in Daraa confirmed that several terrorists of ISIS have been taking shelter in the southern part of the city with support from some local radicals, including Mohamad al-Masalmah “Hafu” who is known to be wanted by the Syrian intelligence.
The Syrian military and intelligence may be preparing to launch a security operation to uproot ISIS from Daraa al-Balad. Considering the recent developments, it is safe to assume that such an operation will be backed by local fighters in the area.
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