ISIS has claimed responsibility for its first attack on Syrian government forces since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government in December. The announcement, made on Thursday, suggests the group is trying to rebuild its presence during the country’s political transition.
SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups, reported that ISIS detonated an explosive device targeting a government vehicle in Suwaida province. The group described the current authorities as “apostate,” even though Islamist factions helped remove Assad. This shows ISIS still rejects all authority outside its own ideology.
This marks the group’s first confirmed attack on the new Syrian administration. Local reports say the blast, which happened on Wednesday, killed one soldier and injured three others.
ISIS involved in separate explosion in Suwaida
On Thursday morning, Suwayda 24 reported another explosion on the Arika-Najran road in western Suwaida. A source from the “Men of Dignity” movement said an improvised explosive device (IED) damaged an ambulance but caused no injuries.
The IED, planted recently and weighing several kilograms, seemed intended for any passing vehicle. The source called it a “terrorist act” but said it was likely unrelated to the earlier ISIS attack.
Government forces crack down on sleeper cells
Syrian security forces have increased efforts to disrupt ISIS networks. The Interior Ministry recently released images of suspects arrested in eastern Aleppo. Officials said the group had attacked security personnel and killed an officer. Authorities also seized weapons, explosives, and suicide vests.
Earlier this month, Damascus’ internal security chief, Hossam Al-Tahan, announced the arrest of ISIS suspects in western Ghouta. Raids took place in Kiswa, Deir Khabiyeh, and Zakiyah. Security forces recovered light and heavy weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades and IEDs.
Officials also reported dismantling a separate ISIS cell earlier this year. That group had allegedly planned an attack on a Shiite religious site near the capital.
ISIS is also targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the east. Though the group lost its last territory in Baghouz in 2019, its fighters have shifted to guerrilla tactics. These cells remain active across central and eastern Syria.
