Syrian Intelligence Thwarts Islamic State Attack on Shiite Shrine
Syrian intelligence officials announced Saturday that they had foiled an Islamic State (IS) plan to bomb the Sayyida Zeinab shrine, a Shiite pilgrimage site in a Damascus suburb. The General Intelligence Service arrested members of the IS cell responsible for planning the attack, state news agency SANA reported.
An unnamed official from the intelligence agency stated that they are "putting all capabilities" into preventing attacks on the Syrian people. The Sayyida Zeinab shrine, which has previously been targeted by IS militants, holds significant religious importance for Shiite Muslims. In 2023, a similar attack in the area killed six people and injured dozens just before the Shiite holy day of Ashoura.
The thwarted attack is seen as part of the new government’s efforts to reassure religious minorities after the recent ousting of Bashar Assad. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Sunni Islamist group now in control of Syria, has claimed to promote religious coexistence under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Visitors to the shrine on Saturday were subjected to heightened security, but normal activities continued. “The site is open, and visitors are making their visits safely,” said Moataz Sikkawi, the shrine's security supervisor.
One visitor, Nisreen Al Hassan, praised the security forces: “It is a very, very good effort, and we thank them for ensuring our safety.” Meanwhile, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Damascus for talks with Ahmad al-Sharaa, focusing on border demarcation and efforts to combat smuggling. The two leaders agreed to form a committee to address the long-standing border issues, including the disputed Chebaa Farms region, which remains under Israeli control.
Al-Sharaa emphasized the need for strengthened social and economic ties between Syria and Lebanon, while acknowledging the complexities of fully resolving the border disputes. The thwarting of the IS attack and diplomatic discussions highlight Syria's ongoing challenges in navigating security concerns and rebuilding regional relations amid its shifting political landscape.