Syrian Forces Kill, Arrest Two Senior ISIL Leaders Near Damascus in 48-Hour Blitz

In a swift 48-hour security blitz near Damascus, Syrian authorities say they've neutralized two senior ISIL (ISIS) figures. The back-to-back operations, announced Thursday, targeted a regional "governor" and another high-ranking commander.

'Governor of Hauran' Killed

Syria's Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that a raid in the town of al-Buweida killed Mohammed Shahadeh, also known as Abu Omar Shaddad. According to the statement, Shahadeh was one of ISIL's senior commanders and acted as the group's governor of the Hauran region. Officials stated the operation was conducted by specialized units following extensive surveillance and was carried out in coordination with international coalition forces.

Second Commander Arrested

The announcement came just a day after another senior ISIL figure was captured nearby. According to the state-run SANA news agency, forces arrested Taha al-Zoubi in a hideout in Maadamiya, southwest of the capital. Officers reportedly seized a suicide belt and a military weapon during the arrest.

ISIL's Lingering Shadow

After its military defeat in Iraq in 2017 and Syria in 2019, ISIL lost its vast territorial control. The group's remaining cells have largely focused their attacks on Kurdish-led forces in northern Syria. While the organization is a shadow of its former self, its cells continue to carry out attacks across the region and beyond.