Syrian President Assad Announces Collaboration with U.S. to Combat ISIS

Washington D.C. – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced today a plan to work alongside the United States in a renewed effort to defeat the Islamic State group, a significant shift in policy following a meeting with President Trump at the White House.

The meeting, held yesterday, marked the first time a Syrian leader has been hosted at the White House. During a brief statement following the discussion, Assad indicated Syria would join the U.S.-led coalition currently operating in the region. “We have a common enemy in ISIS, and it is time to put aside past differences to ensure its complete eradication,” Assad stated. This development comes after years of indirect conflict between Syrian forces and U.S.-backed groups in the region.

Details of the collaboration remain limited, but officials suggest it will involve intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations, and potentially allowing U.S. forces greater access to Syrian airspace. The move signals a potential realignment of power dynamics in the Middle East, and could significantly impact the ongoing fight against terrorism. For more on the history of conflict in Syria, see information from the Council on Foreign Relations.

The announcement follows a period of escalating ISIS activity in both Syria and Iraq, prompting concerns about the group’s resurgence. This collaboration represents a major departure from previous U.S. policy toward Syria, which has largely focused on supporting opposition groups seeking to overthrow Assad’s government. You can find more background on the U.S. relationship with Syria here.

Both administrations stated they will continue to discuss the specifics of the agreement in the coming days, with a focus on establishing clear operational guidelines and ensuring the protection of civilian populations.