IDF Captures Iranian Terror Cell in Southern Syria Raid

Israeli forces carried out a targeted operation overnight in southern Syria, capturing members of an Iranian-backed terror cell, the IDF announced early Wednesday.

The suspects were apprehended by soldiers from the Golani Brigade, working in coordination with operatives from Unit 504, the IDF’s human intelligence division. The arrests took place in the areas of Umm al-Lux and Ain al-Batsali, following weeks of intelligence gathering that culminated in the raid.

During the mission, Israeli troops confiscated a cache of weapons at the scene, including guns and grenades. Lt. Col. (res.) M., a battalion commander in the 474th Brigade, told Ynet: “We had another successful night of operations. We arrested an Iranian terror cell based on intelligence we received. We will not allow terrorist elements to entrench themselves in the area. We’ll operate day and night to prevent their presence. In addition to the suspects, we seized weapons and explosives.”

The raid was supported by Unit 504, which is tasked with operating agents in hostile areas to obtain actionable intelligence for field operations. The unit has played a central role throughout the war, and according to IDF data from late 2024, has conducted thousands of interrogations since the fighting began.

This latest operation took place just over a week after a ceasefire went into effect in the conflict with Iran. It also coincides with diplomatic discussions between Israel and the regime of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, which could result in a future security pact and potential normalization.