Syria’s Commitment to Combat Foreign Terrorism
Syria is set to enhance its military operations against foreign terrorist groups within its borders, aligning with the United States’ objective to diminish the influence of the Islamic State, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This announcement was made by U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack on Wednesday.
This declaration follows a recent meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and President Trump at the White House. Reports indicate that during this summit, al-Sharaa agreed to collaborate with the U.S. in eliminating terrorist organizations operating in Syria.
“Damascus will now actively assist us in confronting and dismantling the remnants of ISIS, the IRGC, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist networks,” Barrack stated on social media. He emphasized Syria’s role as a committed partner in global peace efforts.
Barrack highlighted that successfully integrating U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the regular Syrian army is crucial for this initiative. The Kurdish SDF is anticipated to fully merge with the Syrian military by year-end; however, ongoing clashes have complicated this integration process.
The envoy’s remarks come as al-Sharaa’s administration strives to restore institutional credibility and security following last December’s conclusion of the Syrian Civil War. Various Islamic terror factions contributed to violence during this conflict.
Al-Sharaa recently informed media outlets that his government has successfully expelled IRGC and Hezbollah forces from Syria and intends to collaborate with U.S. leadership to prevent their resurgence. Both groups were significant allies of Bashar Assad during the civil war.
The president hopes that his anti-terror agreement with the U.S. will persuade regional adversaries like Israel to acknowledge his new government. Syria is currently engaged in negotiations with Israel regarding a “disengagement agreement” aimed at establishing peace along their southern border, despite Israel conducting numerous strikes on Syrian military sites since al-Sharaa assumed office.
Barrack also urged U.S. lawmakers to formally repeal Caesar Act sanctions to facilitate Syria’s recovery process. There has been considerable support within Trump’s administration for lifting these sanctions, with another waiver issued by the State Department this week.
“We call upon Congress to take this historic step,” Barrack wrote. “We have come far but now need one strong final push to empower the new Syrian government.”
