Syrian Interior Ministry: Cell Linked to Assad Regime Figures Arrested

Welat TV – Erbil

The Syrian Interior Ministry’s Internal Security Directorate in Latakia announced on Thursday the arrest of a cell allegedly plotting to assassinate media activists and prominent figures in the province.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Abdulaziz al-Ahmad, head of the Internal Security Directorate, said the operation was “carried out according to a precise plan executed by security units in coordination with the Counterterrorism Branch, following careful surveillance and monitoring.”

He confirmed that “the cell’s members were apprehended,” and that preliminary investigations revealed “involvement of local actors with funding and support from external parties.” Al-Ahmad added that early findings pointed to “the involvement of Rami Makhlouf in financing and supporting the cell, alongside foreign entities seeking to spread chaos.”

He noted that investigations are ongoing before the suspects are transferred to the Counterterrorism Directorate for judicial procedures. The statement further indicated that Latakia has recently witnessed a surge in attempts targeting public security, state institutions, and vital facilities.

The security leadership described these incidents as “externally backed and connected to remnants of the former regime,” reaffirming its commitment to confronting such plots and preserving stability. Brig. Gen. al-Ahmad stressed that “the safety of citizens and the stability of the homeland are red lines,” adding that any threat to internal security “will be met with full responsibility by security forces.”