Overview
- Authorities identified the detainee as Taha al-Zoubi, also known as Abu Omar Tibiya, described as ISIS’s governor for Damascus.
- The operation targeted an ISIS hideout in Muaddamiyah southwest of Damascus after prolonged monitoring by the General Intelligence Directorate.
- Syrian statements say the raid involved the US-led coalition, but US Central Command has not confirmed participation.
- Officials reported seizing a suicide belt and a military weapon and detaining several alleged aides of al-Zoubi.
- The announcement follows a deadly December 13 attack near Palmyra on US personnel and reported US retaliatory strikes on ISIS positions days later.