Description: The US has allegedly thwarted a recent planned attack by ISIS members in Damascus and also expanded intelligence cooperation with the current de – facto Syrian leadership under Hay’ at Tahrir al – Sham (HTS). The HTS were formerly designated as a terrorist organization by the US as they had deepened extremist ties, but since the overthrow of Bashar al – Assad, Ahmed al – Sharaa, current HTS leader has undertaken the leadership role within the Syrian government. The country is facing current internal and external threats as the SDF, PKK and other rebel armed groups grasp for power.
Impact: Syria’s vulnerable military, societal and political state can be abused by the several regional and global players looking to establish regional footprint in the country such as the US, Turkey and Iran. The joint intelligence operation confirms US commitment to reestablishing presence in Syria, despite grievances in the past with the current leadership. ISIS would look to enhance destabilization in the country and region with raised level of attacks and instigation of armed conflicts. Syria’s future would depend exclusively on extensively compromising with the various fractions that hold military and territorial clout in the country.