Syria Joins U.S.-Led Coalition Against ISIL After Historic Washington Visit:

In a major diplomatic development, Syria has officially joined the U.S.-led international coalition formed to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The announcement was made jointly by Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa and American officials, following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s arrival in Washington for a high-profile meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Minister al-Mustafa said the signing of a “political cooperation declaration” marks Syria’s commitment to fighting terrorism and supporting regional stability. He clarified that the agreement currently has no military components, emphasizing that it represents a first step toward closer cooperation between Damascus and the international community. With this move, Syria becomes the 90th member of the global coalition, which was established to block the flow of foreign fighters to ISIL and dismantle the group’s remaining cells across the Middle East. The announcement followed a period of heightened security operations inside Syria. Ahead of President al-Sharaa’s U.S. visit, the Syrian Interior Ministry launched nationwide preemptive raids against ISIL networks. According to state-run Al-Ikhbariah TV, security forces carried out 61 operations, arresting 71 suspects and seizing weapons and explosives. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Syrian authorities had recently foiled two ISIL assassination plots targeting President al-Sharaa. Senior officials said the plots were uncovered over the past few months and highlighted the ongoing threats the new Syrian leader faces as he attempts to consolidate power in a nation still recovering from 14 years of civil war. During his meeting at the White House, President Trump praised al-Sharaa’s “decisive leadership” and announced a six-month suspension of U.S. sanctions on Syria — a move widely viewed as a gesture of goodwill and a potential step toward rebuilding diplomatic relations between the two countries. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, 43, rose to power in December after leading a swift armed offensive that ended the decades-long rule of Bashar al-Assad. Before taking office, al-Sharaa headed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al-Qaeda affiliate. Just last week, Washington removed him from its terrorism list and withdrew a $10 million reward that had been offered for his capture. His transformation from rebel commander to internationally recognized head of state marks one of the most dramatic political turnarounds in the region’s recent history. For many observers, Syria’s inclusion in the U.S.-led coalition is both a symbolic and strategic step toward reintegration into the global order. However, questions remain about how deeply Syria will participate in coalition activities and whether this partnership will eventually extend to joint military efforts. Analysts note that while the agreement signals growing international trust, the real challenge will be maintaining stability at home and addressing the country’s massive reconstruction needs. As President al-Sharaa returns to Damascus, the world will be watching closely. His ability to turn diplomatic breakthroughs into real progress on the ground — through peace, security, and rebuilding — will determine whether this new chapter for Syria represents genuine renewal or simply a pause in a long, turbulent struggle.

NEWS