ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – At least two members of Syria’s security forces were killed on Thursday in an operation against a suspected Islamic State (ISIS) cell near Damascus, state media reported.

The early Thursday operation in the town of Rankous, 45 kilometers north of Damascus, resulted in “two members martyred and five others wounded,” the state-run SANA news agency said, citing the internal security forces. 

Local sources told state media that the operation targeted an alleged ISIS cell, killing and injuring several members and leading to the arrest of others.

The security developments led to the suspension of schools and public-sector work, with local authorities urging residents to remain home until the security situation subsides.

The incident comes days after security forces thwarted an alleged ISIS plot to target a police patrol in Rif Dimashq province, arresting two suspects and seizing an explosive device.

Despite being territorially defeated in 2019, ISIS still poses a security threat across Syria, with the extremist group mostly resorting to hit-and-run attacks.

Syria joined the international coalition to defeat ISIS in November, becoming the body’s 90th partner to join the global fight against the group, with the move being hailed by US officials as a sign of Damascus' determination to assist in counterterrorism efforts.

A report by the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) revealed that, as of Wednesday, ISIS has carried out 71 attacks in Syria, resulting in 59 deaths, with 44 being among the military and security forces, eight jihadists, and seven civilians, including a child.