In a stark revelation, a United Nations report has disclosed that five assassination plots targeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and senior ministers were thwarted last year. This alarming update coincides with the turbulence following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
Assassination Attempts Unveiled
The UN report, published on Wednesday, outlines attempts on President al-Sharaa’s life, with two specific incidents attributed to Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, a front group affiliated with the Islamic State (IS). These plots occurred in the northern city of Aleppo and southern Daraa, underscoring the persistent threats facing Syria’s leadership amidst an increasingly volatile security landscape.
Confirmation from a regional intelligence official indicated that these attempts were successfully intercepted, thanks to intelligence provided by a neighbouring country. The report suggests that the Syrian security apparatus has been on high alert, particularly in light of the renewed activity from IS factions eager to destabilise the newly established government.
IS’s Resurgence and Strategic Aims
Since the fall of Assad in December 2024, IS has reportedly intensified its recruitment efforts, branding al-Sharaa as an apostate due to his alliance with Western powers. The group has circulated images of al-Sharaa meeting with US President Donald Trump, using this as evidence of his departure from his Islamist roots.
The UN report characterises al-Sharaa as the “primary target” for IS within Syria, highlighting the group’s strategy of utilising various front organisations to execute its operations. Analysts have noted that the group has taken advantage of security vacuums and the chaos that ensued after Assad’s regime weakened, with estimates suggesting that around 3,000 IS fighters are currently active across Iraq and Syria.
The Broader Implications for Regional Stability
The report suggests that IS is not only a lingering threat in Syria but is also regaining strength in Iraq. The recent instability has allowed the group to exploit the disarray left in the wake of the Syrian government’s shifting power dynamics. IS has conducted several deadly attacks since the regime change, including a notable assault on US and Syrian military personnel in mid-December, which resulted in multiple casualties.
In a strategic move, Damascus joined the international coalition aimed at defeating IS in November and has since taken control of numerous facilities that house suspected IS militants and their families in northeastern Syria. This includes the notorious al-Hawl camp, where approximately 25,000 relatives of suspected fighters reside, posing significant challenges for security and governance in the region.
Why it Matters
The foiled assassination attempts against President al-Sharaa highlight the precarious nature of Syria’s current political landscape. As IS seeks to regain influence amid a power vacuum, the international community must remain vigilant. The resurgence of such extremist factions poses profound risks not only for Syria but also for the stability of the broader Middle East. Understanding the dynamics at play is crucial for formulating effective responses to counteract the threats posed by IS and ensure a more secure future for the region.
