DAMASCUS, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interior authorities have launched a large-scale operation in the western Idlib town of Harem from Tuesday night into Wednesday, targeting a "French fighters' camp" affiliated with an extremist faction, a war monitor reported.
The operation, carried out by Syria's Internal Security Forces, aimed to arrest wanted French militants and rescue a girl who was reportedly abducted by armed men inside the camp, said London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
State-owned Alikhbaria TV quoted security commander Ghassan Bakir as saying that the operation was launched in response to "serious violations against civilians, culminating in the abduction of a girl from her mother."
Fierce clashes erupted as the raiding forces entered the site, with the sound of light and medium weapons heard throughout the night, according to the observatory. It reported several casualties on both sides, adding that several French fighters had been detained.
The observatory said the raid coincided with broader security sweeps across the province targeting areas where foreign jihadists reside. It added that the campaign followed a pledge by Syria's interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa to cooperate with France and Russia in handing over their nationals who had joined militant factions in Syria.
Tensions remained high in the camp on Wednesday as the operation drew condemnation from other foreign fighters in Idlib.
Throughout the Syrian civil war that began in 2011, Idlib has served as a stronghold for Syrian opposition forces and foreign jihadists. ■