In a significant diplomatic shift, Syria has officially aligned itself with the international coalition led by the United States to combat groups such as ISIS. With this collaboration, Syria seeks not only to bolster domestic security but also to play a constructive role in ensuring regional stability amid ongoing challenges stemming from its protracted civil conflict.
Syria has recently committed to joining the international coalition led by the United States in the fight against the ISIS armed group, marking a new chapter in its geopolitical strategy. This announcement, made by Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa with U.S. officials, followed the arrival of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Washington and his reception by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Al-Mustafa emphasized that a “political cooperation declaration” signed by Damascus with the international coalition underscores Syria’s commitment to combating terrorism and enhancing regional stability. He specified that while the agreement is primarily political in nature, it currently lacks military components, as detailed in his post on X.
This collaboration places Syria as the 90th member of the coalition, which aims to prevent foreign fighters from rejoining ISIS and to eliminate the remaining elements of the group across the Middle East. The announcement was anticipated, especially after a statement from Syria’s Ministry of Interior indicated that nationwide preventative operations were underway to target ISIS cells just prior to al-Sharaa’s U.S. visit.
According to reports from state-run Al-Ikhbariah TV, Syrian security forces executed 61 raids, resulting in 71 arrests along with the seizure of explosives and weaponry. Additionally, Reuters quoted unnamed officials revealing that Syria successfully thwarted two assassination plots against President al-Sharaa over the past few months, highlighting the ongoing threats he faces as he seeks to consolidate power in a country long fragmented by an intense civil war.
During their meeting, Trump commended al-Sharaa for his leadership and secured a six-month suspension of U.S. sanctions against Syria. Al-Sharaa, who assumed office after toppling former President Bashar al-Assad in December, previously led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that was an affiliate of al-Qaeda. His recent removal from Washington’s “terror” list, which included the cancellation of a million reward for his capture, marks a significant shift in his international standing.
As Syria navigates its post-conflict landscape, this alliance with the U.S. coalition highlights a potential pathway toward greater stability in the region.
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