2 Syrian internal security members killed in Damascus-area raid on ISIS cell

Two members of Syria's Internal Security Forces were killed on Thursday during a security operation targeting an ISIS cell in the town of Rankous, located in the western countryside of Damascus. The operation, conducted in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service, also resulted in injuries among the security personnel, according to a security source cited by Syrian media.

The raid, which began at dawn, involved clashes between security forces and members of the militant cell. Local authorities suspended school and government operations in Rankous and urged residents to remain indoors until the operation concluded. While the security forces suffered casualties, reports indicate that the operation also resulted in deaths and injuries among the ISIS cell members, along with the arrest of several individuals.

The operation follows a series of recent counter-terrorism actions in the Damascus countryside. Earlier in October, the General Intelligence Service announced the arrest of two individuals accused of plotting to target a police patrol in the province and the seizure of an explosive device. The exact number of militants targeted in Thursday's raid and the full circumstances of the security members' deaths have not yet been officially disclosed.