Syrian forces kill Assad-linked cell leader in Tartous ambush

DAMASCUS: Syrian security forces killed the leader of an armed cell allegedly linked to remnants of former President Bashar Assad’s government during an operation in the eastern countryside of Tartous on Tuesday, the Interior Ministry said.

The Internal Security Forces identified the man as Yazan Abbas, who led a four-member cell accused of planning attacks and armed robberies targeting civilian property.

The operation was launched after the Counterterrorism Department identified the group and coordinated an ambush with security forces, according to the Interior Ministry.

The ensuing clashes left Abbas dead and another member of the cell wounded. Security forces also seized weapons and ammunition.