High-ranking Islamic State mercenary arrested in Deir ez-Zor

In the East Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor, a person high in rank belonging to the Islamic State has been arrested. According to internal security forces Asayîş, anti-terrorist units (HAT) from the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria and troops from the international anti-IS coalition were involved in the operation in the town of Al-Izbah, north of Deir ez-Zor.

The arrested jihadist is said to be a high-ranking member of the terrorist group responsible for the procurement and production of landmines. According to information, the man was captured in an ambush. During the operation, “organization documents” as well as weapons, ammunition and other military equipment were also seized. In the first interrogation, the mercenary is said to have admitted the allegations made against him.

Weapons seized

Several ISIS members had already been arrested by the Asayîş in Al-Izbah at the beginning of August. The community is one of the areas in which IS cell structures are entrenched. In addition to the security forces of the Autonomous Administration, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) also carry out regular security operations in the region.