Syria's Sana news agency reported on January 11 that Syrian intelligence arrested the suspects before they detonated the bomb inside the Sayeda Zeinab mosque, a gathering place for Shiite Muslim pilgrims.

The Syrian Interior Ministry has released images of four men identified as members of the Islamic State group who were arrested in a suburb of Damascus. The ministry has released images of equipment it said was seized from the suspects, including phones, two rifles, three objects resembling explosive devices and several hand grenades.

The above attack plot raises concerns that IS is planning to rise up in Syria after the government of former President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown.

Some people in Syria and elsewhere have expressed concern that the new government in the country, led by the Sunni Muslim group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), could impose harsh policies on ethnic minorities. However, the Syrian interim government, after preventing attacks on Shiite Muslims, has pledged to protect religious minorities.

The IS group has claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks on the Sayeda Zeinab mosque, including a bombing in 2017 that killed at least 40 people, according to Reuters.

In another development, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati visited Syria on January 11, saying he would work with the Syrian government to enhance security and address border challenges. The event also marked the first time a Lebanese prime minister had visited neighboring Syria in 15 years.