A security source told Ultra Syria that Saif al‑Din al‑Libi, described as a former commander in the “Hurras al‑Din” organization — a violent extremist group linked to Al‑Qaeda and responsible for severe harm and human rights violations — was arrested during a security operation carried out by the Internal Security Forces in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria.
The arrest is part of a wider series of security operations across Idlib and other areas of northwestern Syria aimed at pursuing leaders and operatives of armed groups and dismantling networks involved in illicit military and security activity.
According to the security source, the Internal Security Forces and the Anti‑Terrorism Service recently launched a campaign targeting an armed group engaged in arms trafficking and smuggling. Clashes broke out along the Sheikh Idris road, resulting in the deaths of two members of the group.
The source added that the participating units seized a shipment of weapons during the operation. Preliminary findings indicate that the arms were destined for Syria’s Badia region, where they were to be delivered to the Islamic State (ISIS), another violent extremist organization responsible for widespread atrocities.
The campaign forms part of a broader effort to curb arms‑smuggling networks suspected of supplying material support to ISIS cells operating in the desert regions.
In a related development, the Internal Security Forces previously arrested Omar al‑Hajji — described by a security source as an ISIS leader — while he attempted to cross from Syria into Türkiye through the Harem area in the Idlib countryside.
Several regions across Syria have recently witnessed targeted operations against cells linked to ISIS. Security authorities say these cells have been involved in kidnappings, assassinations and the planting of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). They confirmed the seizure of explosive materials and the arrest of multiple suspects.
These developments highlight ongoing efforts to contain the activities of armed organizations and arms‑smuggling networks amid persistent concerns that the proliferation of weapons could be used to reactivate militant cells.
Background:
The relationship between Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Hurras al-Din was shaped by a deep ideological rift that evolved into an increasingly violent struggle for influence and control in northwestern Syria. Hurras al-Din emerged in February 2018 when hardline jihadists broke away from HTS, accusing its leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, then known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, of abandoning al-Qaeda’s ideology and adopting a pragmatic approach towards Türkiye and international agreements. While Hurras al-Din remained committed to al-Qaeda’s transnational jihadist agenda, HTS increasingly sought to consolidate its territorial authority in Idlib and present itself as a locally focused organisation capable of maintaining security. The rivalry intensified as Hurras al-Din attracted disaffected HTS fighters and challenged its authority, culminating in armed clashes in June 2020. HTS subsequently moved to dismantle its rival’s military infrastructure, arrest its commanders and restrict its operations. The confrontation reflected both an ideological contest within Syria’s jihadist movement and al-Sharaa’s broader effort to distance HTS from al-Qaeda, eliminate competing armed factions and establish himself as the dominant authority in Idlib.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
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