Syria’s Interior Ministry said on Thursday that the “heroism of Internal Security Forces in the city of Aleppo thwarted a dangerous ISIS terrorist plot during New Year’s celebrations, resulting in the martyrdom of one officer and the injury of two others while confronting a suicide attack.”

In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the ministry said that, as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts and close monitoring of ISIS cell movements - and based on intelligence cooperation with partner agencies - authorities received information indicating the group’s intent to carry out suicide attacks and assaults targeting New Year’s celebrations in several provinces, particularly Aleppo, by attacking churches and civilian gathering sites.

The ministry added that, in a preemptive response, heightened security measures were implemented, including increased protection around churches, the deployment of fixed and mobile patrols, and the establishment of checkpoints across the city.

It noted that while a checkpoint in the Bab al-Faraj area of Aleppo was carrying out its duties, an officer became suspicious of an individual later identified as an ISIS member. As police attempted to verify his status, the suspect opened fire, killing one police officer before detonating himself, wounding two others as they attempted to arrest him.

The ministry stressed that the officers’ “heroic spirit was a decisive factor in foiling the dangerous terrorist plot that sought to target the lives of civilians during New Year’s celebrations.”

On Wednesday, Syrian state media reported that a police officer was killed and others were wounded in a suicide bombing in Aleppo.