Damascus, Aug. 7 (SANA)Syria’sInternal Security Forcesannounced on Friday they neutralized twoISIS militantswho were planting an explosive device in theSayyidah Zaynabarea of theDamascus countrysideduring a nighttime patrol on roads leading to military barracks and government facilities.

In a statement, the Internal Security Forces said patrol officers became suspicious of two masked individuals standing by the roadside. When officers attempted to stop them to verify their identities, the suspects opened fire, triggering a clash that ended with both militants being neutralized.

Security personnel later found that the suspects had been planting an improvised explosive device (IED) in preparation for a terrorist attack targeting a government facility. Additional explosive devices and weapons were also recovered from their possession, and investigations confirmed their affiliation with the ISIS terrorist organization, the statement added.

The Ministry of Interior said it continues security operations to combat terrorism, protect civilians, and strengthen security and stability.

It added that the Internal Security Forces, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service, had foiled several terrorist plots planned by ISIS in recent months.