General Security carries out a security operation targeting a cell involved in drug trafficking in the city of Jaramana in the countryside of Damascus.

The Director of Rural Damascus Security, Major Hussam Al-Tahan, announced on Friday an security operation targeting members of a cell involved in manufacturing and trafficking drugs in the city of Jaramana, after they escaped from security custody yesterday.

The Ministry of Interior quoted Al-Tahan on Telegram saying: "As part of the continuous security monitoring to combat the drug scourge and pursue those involved in its manufacturing and trafficking, our units were able, yesterday, after careful monitoring, to arrest a number of members of a criminal cell operating in the manufacturing and trafficking of drugs in the city of Jaramana, while the rest of the cell members fled."

Al-Tahan added: "This morning, the fugitives from the cell targeted a security checkpoint in the city, prompting an immediate and direct response through a well-planned security operation, after they barricaded themselves inside a building, and started firing and using RPG shells and hand grenades towards our security forces."

Al-Tahan emphasized that the security forces are continuing their national duty in combating crime and cracking down on drug manufacturing and trafficking dens, and will not hesitate to strike with an iron fist against anyone who threatens the security of citizens or the stability of the country.

Syrian "Al-Ikhbariya" news agency reported today, citing a security source, that the operation resulted in the death of one individual and 5 injuries among the general security forces, and 7 fatalities from the drug gang members.

The source confirmed that the general security forces have arrested all members of the drug gang in Jaramana.