Syria foils two IS assassination plots against President Sharaa

Syria has thwarted two separate Islamic State plots to assassinate President Ahmed al-Sharaa, two senior officials told Reuters, highlighting the personal risks he faces as the country seeks closer ties with the West.

The plots, uncovered over the past few months, targeted Sharaa in connection with public engagements, according to a senior Syrian security official and a senior Middle Eastern official. Details were limited due to security concerns.

The Syrian information ministry confirmed that Islamic State continues to pose “a real security threat to Syria and the region,” noting that authorities had prevented multiple IS attacks in the past ten months, including on places of worship. “Syria affirms its commitment to protecting its people and continuing to fight terrorism in all its forms,” the ministry said.

The announcements come as Sharaa prepares to join a U.S.-led global coalition against Islamic State. He is scheduled for a historic White House meeting with President Donald Trump, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state.

Sharaa, who assumed power last December after the Islamist rebel force he led ousted Bashar al-Assad, has sought to present himself as a moderate leader. Analysts say the White House visit could secure international support for Syria’s long-term reconstruction.

Since taking office, Sharaa has shifted Syria’s alliances, moving away from traditional ties with Russia and Iran toward closer cooperation with Western and Arab countries. His forces have continued to combat IS while trying to curb sectarian violence and protect civilians.

Over the weekend, the Syrian interior ministry launched a nationwide campaign against IS cells, arresting more than 70 suspects, government media reported. Officials said the operation demonstrated both the reach of Syrian intelligence and the potential contribution of Syria to global anti-IS efforts.

Before taking power, Sharaa led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria, which he severed ties with in 2016. He has since waged a decade-long campaign against Islamic State, including arrests and military operations in HTS strongholds.

By Khagan Isayev