Internal Security Forces Arrest Espionage Cell Linked to Former Regime
The Internal Security Forces announced on Sunday the arrest of two individuals, identified as Sobhi Ninal and his son, Shadi Ninal, on charges of espionage on behalf of the former regime’s security apparatus. This operation is part of ongoing security efforts to track down cells working to destabilize liberated areas.
According to data released by the Internal Security Forces, preliminary investigations indicate that the elder Ninal monitored and photographed various locations, including military points and checkpoints. His activities spanned the city of Idlib, the towns of Jisr al-Shughur and Binnish in the Idlib countryside, as well as the city of Atarib and the 46th Regiment area in the Aleppo countryside. Investigators revealed that the suspect utilized a motorcycle equipped with hidden cameras to document these sites. Furthermore, he provided the former regime’s security services with coordinates for civilian and vital infrastructure, including a guest house and a mosque in the town of Taoum, in exchange for financial compensation. This espionage activity reportedly led to repeated targeting of these sites, resulting in human casualties and significant material damage.
Separately, investigations into the son, Shadi Ninal, uncovered his involvement in leaking sensitive military intelligence. Leveraging his previous experience as a member of revolutionary factions on the Aleppo frontlines, Shadi allegedly used communication equipment provided by his father—which had been supplied by the former regime’s security services—to transmit data. His activities included relaying coordinates for military outposts, estimating the number of fighters, and detailing the nature of weaponry and the types of vehicles stationed at these locations.
Competent authorities are currently working to finalize the investigation and the necessary legal procedures against both suspects. They are slated to be referred to the appropriate judiciary to face trial in accordance with applicable laws. This operation follows previous security successes, including a mid-June operation in which the Internal Security Forces, in coordination with the Counter-Terrorism Department, arrested several agents linked to the former regime. Those individuals were identified as operators of espionage cells and groups involved in bombings that had been active during the regime’s previous rule.
