By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Syrian security forces thwarted an assassination attempt targeting rabbi Michael Khoury in Damascus on April 11, 2026, dismantling an explosive device planted outside his residence and arresting a five-member cell allegedly linked to Hezbollah.

According to the Syrian Ministry of Interior and local reports, the operation was carried out by a specialized unit from the Counter-Terrorism Department in coordination with Internal Security Forces in the Bab Touma area of the capital.

Authorities said the plot involved an improvised explosive device placed near the residence of the religious figure, located close to the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus.

Explosives experts safely dismantled the device without causing casualties or damage.

The suspects included five individuals, among them a woman who allegedly attempted to plant the device. All members of the cell were arrested during the operation.

Preliminary investigations by Syrian authorities indicate the group is linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Officials said members of the cell had received specialized military training abroad, including instruction in planting explosive devices.

Radio Free Syria reported that a sabotage plot in Damascus had been foiled and described the group as a cell linked to an external entity. Authorities confirmed that the targeted attack was directed at a religious figure.

Security forces secured the rabbi and the surrounding area following the incident, and an investigation is ongoing to determine additional details.

Officials said the suspects will be referred to the judiciary upon completion of the inquiry.

The incident comes as Syrian authorities continue security operations aimed at dismantling various “cells” operating in the country.

These include groups described by officials as being linked to the former regime, ISIS, or external militias.

Officials said the measures are part of efforts by the interim government to stabilize Damascus following the 2024 transition.