3 cops killed as an armed group fires on a security patrol in Daraa, Syria

Three members of Syria’s Internal Security Forces were killed and several others wounded on 17 September during an arrest operation in the town of Al‑Sanamayn, Daraa province, according to official Syrian state media and security statements. The incident triggered a temporary curfew in Al‑Sanamayn and intensified local tensions, with protests reported in the town into the morning of 18 September as residents reacted to the deadly raid.

In a statement, the Internal Security Forces said its personnel were carrying out an operation to arrest a wanted individual when an armed group led by the suspect attacked the patrol and opened fire, sparking clashes that left three security members dead. The forces said they had deployed across Al‑Sanamayn and were pursuing those involved, while the Internal Security Command in Daraa imposed a curfew “until the security situation is stabilized.” Syrian authorities later said the armed group was linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), according to regional reports quoting security sources.

The killings come amid wider unrest in southern Syria, where livelihood protests have spread in recent days following fuel price increases and economic hardship. In Al‑Sanamayn, demonstrators took to the streets on 18 September, denouncing the raid and the curfew as security forces maintained a heavy presence in the town.

The Internal Security Forces pledged to continue operations against those responsible and to take “necessary legal measures” against anyone involved in the attack, SANA reported.