ISIS ringleader and members captured in Manbij

Almost four months after the violent death of two women and two infants in an explosion in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, four people have been arrested, according to the local military council. They are members of a sleeper cell of ISIS which operates on behalf of the Turkish occupation forces.

According to the statement released by the Manbij Military Council (MMC) on Friday, the head of the cell is among those arrested.

“Manbij Military Council Anti-Terrorist Forces carried out an operation against an ISIS cell in the city. Jihad Jamal Hamidi, known as ‘Azam’, was identified and targeted during our operation. The person in question had been stationed in Jarabulus before he was sent to Manbij by the Turkish intelligence service, MIT,” the statement released on Friday said.

“According to Azam’s confessions, MIT arrested him and his brother Hemam some time ago. He was then released, but his brother Hemam remained in custody. Azam confessed that Turkey used him in a terrorist operation immediately after his release. Turkey took advantage of his recognition in the region and his connections with ISIS cells and mercenary leaders in the regions occupied by Turkey.

The Manbij Military Council Anti-Terrorist Forces captured three more terrorists affiliated with the cell during a raid on a mine workshop located near the Menkosh swimming facility and the Aleppo Road. A member of the group, who attempted to escape, was injured following an armed conflict. Furthermore, 21 explosive objects were confiscated along with the materials used in the production of weapons and mines.”

According to a preliminary inquiry, Azam and other members of the cell were responsible for several explosions in Manbij, including the one in front of Martyrs’ Crossroad where children and women were killed, MMC said.

The statement added that counter-terrorism units are keeping track of ISIS cells that threaten the security of the region.