Two members of Syria’s internal security forces were reportedly killed and five others wounded during fierce clashes with suspected extremist cell members on the outskirts of Damascus, according to official statements from the Interior Ministry.

The confrontation allegedly erupted on Thursday morning when security units launched a targeted raid in the town of Rankous, located in the western Damascus countryside. The operation was supposedly part of an ongoing effort by the authorities to dismantle underground militant networks and thwart potential attacks.

The ministry claimed that the suspects refused to surrender and immediately opened fire on the approaching personnel, triggering a prolonged firefight. Officials stated that five alleged militants were killed and six others detained, with various weapons and explosive belts purportedly seized at the scene.

Meanwhile, local residents and regional reports offered a somewhat differing perspective on the events, noting that the cell was smaller than officially reported and that security forces subsequently imposed local curfews and carried out further arrests in the area.

Source: www.aljazeera.com