Syria has stopped two assassination plots by Islamic State (IS) terrorists targeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Both plots were uncovered and neutralized in recent months, Reuters reported.
The failed attempts came just days before Sharaa’s first-ever visit by a Syrian president to the White House. He is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday to finalize Syria’s entry into the US-led global anti-IS coalition.
A senior Syrian security official and a Middle Eastern diplomat confirmed that the two plots were foiled “over the past few months.” One plan aimed to strike during a public event, but officials refused to share more details due to security reasons. The Syrian Information Ministry declined to comment.
Sharaa Seeks to Rebuild Syria
President Sharaa took power last December after his Islamist rebel movement removed Bashar al-Assad. Since then, he has tried to present himself as a moderate leader focused on stabilizing a country shattered by 14 years of war.
He has also shifted Syria’s foreign policy, moving away from Russia and Iran and toward the United States and Arab allies. The White House meeting will likely strengthen this new direction. Sharaa is expected to seek US support for reconstruction and push for global recognition of his government.
Crackdown on Islamic State
Sharaa’s government has launched a tough campaign against Islamic State militants. The group has tried to regroup and exploit the country’s instability.
Over the weekend, the Syrian Interior Ministry said security forces arrested more than 70 IS suspects in raids across several provinces.
A senior security official said the crackdown followed intelligence reports about new IS plots targeting government offices and minority areas. “We wanted to send a clear message that we have infiltrated them deeply,” the official said. He added that Syria’s intelligence network would be a “major asset” for the anti-IS coalition.
Before becoming president, Sharaa led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate. He cut ties with al-Qaeda in 2016 and later fought brutal battles against IS fighters in Idlib and other northern regions.
IS has condemned Sharaa’s cooperation with Western countries, calling it a betrayal of Islam. In June, a suicide bombing at a Damascus church killed 25 people. Authorities blamed IS, though the group did not claim responsibility.
Strengthening US Ties
Syrian officials said Damascus has been secretly coordinating with US military planners for months. These joint efforts targeted IS hideouts and networks.
Syria’s formal entry into the US-led coalition will deepen intelligence sharing and military cooperation.
Officials said Sharaa also hopes to convince US lawmakers to lift sanctions on Syria by the end of the year.