Deir Ezzor, Eastern Syria – A source in Syria’s Internal Security Forces told +963 on Sunday that more than 100 former fighters from Iran-backed factions were arrested in a large-scale security operation in Al-Bukamal, near the Iraqi border.
The source said the Internal Security Forces, in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, surrounded Al-Bukamal at 5 a.m. and launched a raid targeting remnants of the “47th Regiment” militia loyal to Iran.
The sweep began in Al-Sukkariyah west of Al-Bukamal and extended to Al-Hari, imposing a full curfew as clashes broke out in Al-Ghabra, Al-Sukkariyah, Al-Hamdan, and Al-Hari.
At least 45 fighters who refused reconciliation or disarmament were detained. Clashes erupted when some tried to escape toward the Euphrates River, but security forces arrested around 50 more while others fled to the river islands near Al-Hari, the source said.
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He added that some fighters escaped into tunnels near the Iraqi border, where security units continue to track them down. In total, about 110 individuals were detained, along with seized weapons, ammunition, explosives, and documents.
The crackdown, carried out in response to demands from local tribal leaders and residents, may expand to nearby areas, the source confirmed.
Earlier Sunday, Syria’s Interior and Defense Ministries jointly announced the operation against the “47th Regiment.” Colonel Darrar Al-Shamlan, head of the Internal Security Forces, said the second phase of the crackdown targets Al-Sukkariyah and Al-Hamdan, after operations in Al-Mayadin.
Local authorities said the sweep follows the fighters’ refusal to comply with reconciliation measures, surrender their weapons, or stop actions that threaten security in the region.
