The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the announcement issued by the Ministry of Interior on Thursday, November 5, 2026, regarding the dismantling by the General Intelligence Directorate, in cooperation with the Internal Security Forces, of a cell affiliated with ISIS in Aleppo Governorate. This cell was involved in carrying out a series of attacks and assassinations in the governorate.
The Syrian Future Movement commends this security achievement, which demonstrates the vigilance of the relevant agencies and their ability to track down terrorist cells and thwart their plans. It also contributes to protecting civilian lives and the stability of the governorate.
However, the Syrian Future Movement believes that this achievement, despite its importance, should not be viewed in isolation from the broader context of the recurring terrorist operations in several governorates. This reveals the structural challenges that continue to confront the counterterrorism apparatus in Syria.
The Syrian Future Movement considers the dismantling of this cell in Aleppo, weeks after the dismantling of a similar cell in Deir ez-Zor, and months after the announcement of the dismantling of a cell whose activities extended from Raqqa to Aleppo, Idlib, and Homs, as confirmation that the threat has not ended and that the battle against ISIS is still far from over.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that the successive security operations against ISIS cells reflect a shift in the intelligence services’ approach from “field containment” to “preemptive threat thwarting,” a positive development worthy of appreciation.
The Syrian Future Movement believes that this proactive shift is the only way to prevent attacks before they occur and to protect civilians from terrorist operations.
However, the Syrian Future Movement emphasizes that security achievements, no matter how frequent, cannot replace addressing the root causes that allow terrorist cells to regenerate.
The Syrian Future Movement considers the continued emergence of new cells in Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Idlib, and Homs, despite successive security strikes, to reveal the existence of a supportive environment still capable of recruitment, financing, and planning. This environment cannot be addressed by security operations alone, but requires a comprehensive national strategy that integrates security, development, intellectual engagement, and institutional reform.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its firm position, published on its official website on August 13, 2026, under the title “UN Report Warns of Growing ISIS Threat in Syria,” emphasizing that “Syria’s battle against terrorism is a battle for existence and civilization, and that final victory will only be achieved by building a strong and just state, capable of protecting its citizens, providing them with a dignified life, and eradicating the sources of extremism at its intellectual, economic, and social roots.”
The Syrian Future Movement believes that this principle remains valid today, and affirms that every cell dismantled is a partial victory, but final victory remains contingent upon addressing the root causes of extremism.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that the continuation of terrorist operations, despite security efforts, poses three fundamental challenges that cannot be ignored:
First: Launching a comprehensive national strategy to combat extremism that integrates security measures, institutional reform, community development, and the promotion of moderate Islamic values. This strategy should define the roles of all relevant stakeholders, establish measurable performance indicators, and set a binding timeline.
The Syrian Future Movement proposes that this strategy include:
- Prevention programs in schools, mosques, and universities that promote moderate thought and reject violence.
- Rehabilitation and reintegration centers for former members, in cooperation with psychological and social experts.
- Community oversight mechanisms for reporting any suspicious activity, with guarantees for the protection of whistleblowers.
- Urgent development plans in areas experiencing terrorist cell activity, including job opportunities and essential services.
Second: Enhancing transparency in announcing security operations by publishing periodic reports on operations carried out, the number of detainees, and the nature of threats thwarted, without compromising the requirements of ongoing investigations. The Syrian Future Movement believes that transparency is the foundation of trust between the state and its citizens, and is essential for strengthening public cooperation in combating terrorism.
Third: Ensuring fair and transparent trials for detainees by providing all guarantees of a fair trial, preventing any form of torture or ill-treatment, and allowing human rights organizations to monitor the proceedings, in accordance with Syria’s international obligations.
Fourth: Addressing the root causes of extremism in affected areas by launching urgent development programs in Aleppo, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, Idlib, and other governorates witnessing terrorist cell activity. These programs should include providing job opportunities, improving basic services, rehabilitating infrastructure, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Fifth: Strengthening international cooperation in combating terrorism through the exchange of intelligence with friendly countries, coordination with international mechanisms concerned with combating terrorism, and cutting off the sources of funding for terrorist organizations, similar to the Syrian-Iraqi judicial cooperation that the movement commended in its statement of August 14, 2026.
Sixth: Providing justice for victims of terrorism and their families by documenting the names of the victims and the circumstances of their martyrdom, providing fair compensation to their families, providing health and psychological care for the injured, and launching social and economic support programs for the victims’ families.
The Syrian Future Movement commends the efforts of the General Intelligence Directorate and the Internal Security Forces in dismantling the terrorist cell in Aleppo and expresses its appreciation for the sacrifices made by security personnel in protecting the homeland and its citizens.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates that every cell dismantled is a life saved and a city protected from terrorism, but the real battle remains in addressing the root causes that allow terrorism to resurface and in building a strong and just state capable of eradicating its sources.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that combating terrorism is a comprehensive national responsibility that requires the combined efforts of the state and society, and necessitates an integrated strategy that is not limited to security operations, but extends to development, justice, and reform.
