Syria prevented a “terrorist plot” by the terrorist group ISIS (DEAS) that targeted civilian gatherings and churches in the northern city of Aleppo during the New Year celebrations, Anadolu reports.

In a statement, the Interior Ministry said it received information about ISIS plans to carry out suicide attacks during the New Year celebrations in several provinces, with Aleppo as the main focus.

The information emerged through ongoing efforts against terrorism, close monitoring of ISIS cells and intelligence cooperation with partner agencies involved in counter-terrorism operations, the ministry added.

“We took increased security measures as part of a preventive response, including strengthening defenses around churches, deploying fixed and mobile patrols and setting up checkpoints throughout the city,” the ministry said.

At a checkpoint in Aleppo’s Bab al-Faraj area, officers on duty on Wednesday evening suspected a man, who was later identified as a member of ISIS, according to the ministry.

“When officers tried to verify his identity, the suspect opened fire, killing one police officer, before detonating an explosive device, injuring two other officers as they tried to arrest him,” the ministry said in a statement.

its forces played a crucial role in thwarting what it described as a serious terrorist plot aimed at targeting civilians during the New Year celebrations.

Syria formally joined the US-led international coalition against ISIS on November 12. The coalition was formed in 2014 and has carried out military operations against the terrorist group in Syria and Iraq, although Damascus was not previously a member.

Source: prizrenpost