The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that it had arrested a terrorist cell that was planning to assassinate media activists and prominent figures in Latakia Governorate.

In a statement, the ministry said:
“Our security units, in cooperation with the Counter-Terrorism Branch, successfully carried out a well-coordinated operation following precise monitoring and surveillance, which led to the arrest of a terrorist cell that was planning to assassinate media activists and prominent figures with the aim of destabilizing security and stability within Latakia Governorate.”

The statement added:
“Initial investigations revealed the involvement of Rami Makhlouf in supporting and financing the cell, along with external parties seeking to spread chaos. Investigations are continuing in preparation for referring the members of the cell to the Counter-Terrorism Directorate.”