Intelligence officials in Syria's new de facto government foiled an Islamic State attack planned for a Shiite shrine in Damascus. The thwarted attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region and the new government's efforts to maintain stability.
Intelligence officials in Syria’s new de facto government thwarted a plan by the Islamic State group to set off a bomb at a Shiite shrine in the Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, state media reported Saturday. State news agency SANA reported, citing an unnamed official in the General Intelligence Service, that members of the IS cell planning the attack were arrested.
It quoted the official as saying that the intelligence service is “putting all its capabilities to stand in the face of all attempts to target the Syrian people in all their spectrums.” Sayyida Zeinab has been the site of past attacks on Shiite pilgrims by IS — which takes an extreme interpretation of Sunni Islam and considers Shiites to be infidels. In 2023, a motorcycle planted with explosives detonated in Sayyida Zeinab, killing at least six people and wounding dozens a day before the Shiite holy day of Ashoura, The announcement that the attack had been thwarted appeared to be another attempt by the country’s new leaders to reassure religious minorities, including those seen as having been supporters of the former government of Bashar Assad.Italy’s foreign minister heads to Syria to encourage post-Assad transition Assad, a member of the Alawite minority, was allied with Iran and with the Shiite Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as well as Iranian-backed Iraqi militias. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the former insurgent group that led the lightning offensive that toppled Assad last month and is now the de facto ruling party in the country, is a Sunni Islamist group that formerly had ties with al-Qaida. The group later split from al-Qaida, and HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has preached religious coexistence since assuming power in Damascus. Also Saturday, Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati arrived in Damascus to meet with al-Sharaa. Relations between the two countries had been strained under Assad, with Lebanon’s political factions deeply divided between those supporting and opposing Assad’s rule
SYRIA ISLAMIC STATE BOMB PLOT SHIITE SHRINE HAYAT TAHRIR AL-SHAM ASSAD LEBANON
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Staphylococcus aureus thwarts vaccines by turning on a protein that halts immune responseAfter dozens of clinical trials, there are still no effective vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus. In two new studies, scientists report that the pathogen turns on the protein interleukin 10, shutting down the protective vaccine response. But blocking the protein restores vaccine efficacy in an animal model.
Read more »
Pelosi Thwarts Ocasio-Cortez's Bid for Oversight CommitteeDespite praising younger Democrats taking leadership roles, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is backing Rep. Gerry Connolly over Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for the ranking member position on the House Oversight Committee. This signals a potential rift between the party's veteran and progressive wings.
Read more »
Former NFL Punter Sav Rocca Thwarts Shoplifting AttemptFormer NFL punter Sav Rocca, known for his athletic prowess in both American and Australian football, recently displayed his heroic side by stopping a shoplifter in Australia.
Read more »
Bomb Bomb Bar-B-Q Grill to Close After 72 YearsBomb Bomb Bar-B-Q Grill, a South Philadelphia institution since 1951, is closing its doors as the owners prepare for retirement. The restaurant, known for its barbecue, Italian dishes, and enduring name inspired by past bombings, has become a beloved community staple. Customers are flocking in for one last meal, reminiscing about the establishment's history and signature dishes.
Read more »
Iconic South Philly Restaurant Bomb Bomb BBQ Grill & Italian Restaurant to Close After 33 YearsBomb Bomb BBQ Grill & Italian Restaurant in South Philadelphia, a beloved institution for 33 years, will close its doors on December 28th. Owners Deb and Frank Barbato are retiring after nearly four decades of serving up their signature dishes, including baby-back ribs, mussels, and stuffed calamari. Longtime customers are flocking to the restaurant to enjoy their last meals and reminisce about their favorite memories.
Read more »
Iconic South Philly Restaurant Bomb Bomb Barbato to Close After 73 YearsAfter 73 years serving the Philadelphia community, Bomb Bomb Barbato is closing its doors. The iconic Italian restaurant, known for its delicious food and warm atmosphere, will be retiring its owners, Frank and Deb Barbato, on December 28th. The couple hopes to find a new owner to continue the legacy.
Read more »