Syrian authorities successfully thwarted an attempted attack by the so-called Islamic State (IS) group on the Sayyida Zainab shrine, a prominent Shiite Muslim site in a southern suburb of Damascus. The state news agency SANA reported the development on Saturday, citing a source within the country’s intelligence agency.

The report revealed that intelligence and security forces intercepted the plot, which aimed to carry out a bombing inside the shrine. The alleged IS members behind the planned attack have been arrested, according to the source.

Threats to Religious Minorities

The Sayyida Zainab shrine holds significant importance for Syria’s Shiite Muslim minority, which comprises around 3% of the population. Sunni Muslims make up over 70% of Syrians, while Alawites, a sect to which former dictator Bashar Assad belonged, account for roughly 10%.

Religious minority groups in Syria have faced heightened insecurity amid the ongoing conflict. Although IS has been largely defeated in the territories it once controlled in eastern Syria, experts warn that sleeper cells of the extremist group remain active and pose a persistent threat.

Post-Assad Dynamics

The attack attempt comes in the wake of significant political upheaval. In December, former dictator Bashar Assad was toppled, and Ahmad Sharaa, interim leader of the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), assumed leadership. Sharaa has promised to respect the rights of religious minority groups as Syria transitions into its new phase of governance.

Analysts, however, remain cautious, noting that extremist factions like IS continue to exploit instability in the region to target vulnerable groups, including Shiite Muslims and Alawites.

Broader Security Concerns

While the foiled attack highlights ongoing security challenges, it also underscores the need for vigilance against extremist threats. Authorities have ramped up efforts to safeguard religious sites and communities, particularly as Syria navigates a delicate political and social transition.

The situation remains fluid, with calls for stronger measures to protect all segments of Syria’s population from the lingering threat of extremist violence.