The Press Office of North and East Syrian Internal Security Forces released a statement announcing that an operation has been conducted against an ISIS cell in the town of al-Shahil to the east of Deir ez-Zor.

According to the statement, the cell with 7 mercenaries was neutralized during the operation. Those arrested were reportedly preparing to plan mines in the region and have perpetrated other attacks before.

Internal Security Forces also announced that improvised explosive devices, mortar shells, hand grenades and a large amount of TNT were seized in the operation.