Syria has announced a series of nationwide operations against Islamic State cells, coinciding with President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s arrival in Washington for talks with United States President Donald Trump.
A spokesperson for the Syrian interior ministry confirmed on Saturday that security forces had carried out 61 raids across the country, resulting in the arrest of 71 individuals. Explosives and weapons were also seized during the operations, which were broadcast on state-run Al Ekhbariya television.
The timing of the raids was notable, coming just a day after Washington removed Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist. His visit to the US capital marks the first official trip by a Syrian president since the country gained independence in 1946. Analysts described the development as a significant moment in Syria’s efforts to reposition itself on the international stage following years of conflict.
Sharaa, who assumed power after his rebel forces ousted Bashar al-Assad late last year, is expected to discuss Syria’s potential participation in the US-led coalition against Islamic State. The interim leader previously met Trump in Riyadh during the American president’s regional tour in May.
Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, stated earlier this month that Sharaa would “hopefully” sign an agreement to join the coalition. The state department’s decision to remove him from the blacklist was widely anticipated, with officials noting that his government had met several American demands. These included cooperation in efforts to locate missing US citizens and commitments to eliminate remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.
On Thursday, Washington led a vote at the United Nations Security Council to lift sanctions against Sharaa. His former group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which had been affiliated with al-Qaida, was delisted as a terrorist organisation by the US in July.
Since taking office, Syria’s new leadership has sought to distance itself from its violent past and project a more moderate image. Officials have emphasised their intention to rebuild the country and re-establish ties with foreign powers.
The scale of Syria’s reconstruction challenge remains immense. The World Bank estimated in October that rebuilding the nation after 13 years of civil war would cost at least $216bn. Sharaa is expected to use his visit to Washington to seek financial support for recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Washington is preparing to establish a military presence at an airbase in Damascus. Six sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that the move would form part of a broader security pact being brokered between Syria and Israel. A US administration official has previously indicated that Washington is continually reassessing its military posture in Syria to ensure effective operations against Islamic State.
The Pentagon and state department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Sharaa’s visit or the raids announced by Syrian authorities.
Observers note that the developments highlight a dramatic shift in Syria’s international standing. Just months ago, Sharaa and his movement were regarded as pariahs, linked to extremist organisations and subject to sanctions. His removal from the blacklist and the lifting of UN restrictions mark a clear effort by Washington and its allies to integrate Syria into the global fight against Islamic State.
For Syria, the operations against Islamic State cells sere both a domestic and international purpose. Domestically, they demonstrate the government’s determination to assert control and prevent further instability. Internationally, they signal a willingness to align with Western powers and contribute to collective security efforts.
As Sharaa begins his talks in Washington, the focus will be on whether Syria can secure the financial and political backing required to rebuild, while simultaneously convincing sceptics that its leadership has genuinely broken with its past associations. The outcome of these discussions may prove pivotal in shaping Syria’s future role in the region and its relationship with the wider international community.
