(Reuters) -Syria has carried out nationwide pre-emptive operations concentrating on Islamic State cells, a spokesperson for the Inside Ministry stated on Saturday.
Syrian safety forces carried out 61 raids, with 71 individuals arrested and explosives and weapons seized, the spokesperson instructed state-run Al Ekhbariya TV.
The raids come forward of a visit by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to Washington to satisfy with U.S. President Donald Trump and be part of an anti Islamic State U.S.-led coalition.
The U.S. State Division and Pentagon didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.
Washington is getting ready to ascertain a navy presence at an airbase in Damascus to assist allow a safety pact that the U.S. is brokering between Syria and Israel, six sources acquainted with the matter beforehand instructed Reuters.
A U.S. administration official additionally beforehand stated that Washington was continuously evaluating its obligatory posture in Syria to successfully fight Islamic State.
(Reporting by Timour Azhari, extra reporting by Phillip Stewart, writing by Jaidaa Taha; Modifying by Leslie Adler)