Islamic State declares war on Syria's new government

DAMASCUS - The Islamic State (ISIS) declared on Sunday war on the Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, branding it illegitimate due to its ties with Turkey and the United States. 

The announcement came via IS's Dabiq news agency, marking a new phase of attacks against the post-Assad regime.​

ISIS spokesperson Hudhayfah al-Anbari released an audio message claiming Syria shifted from Iranian to Turkish-American control after Sharaa's forces, formerly Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Labeling Sharaa a "watchdog" for the US-led coalition, IS vowed his fate would match Assad's and urged intensified assaults using motorcycles and firearms.​

The declaration followed two claimed strikes: one gunning down a Syrian soldier from the 42nd Division in Mayadin, Deir ez-Zor, and another machine-gun attack in Raqqa. Syria's Defence Ministry confirmed a soldier and civilian killed Saturday by unknown gunmen, amid rising IS activity since Assad's fall.​

Sharaa, who distanced from al-Qaeda in 2016, formalized Syria's anti-IS coalition membership during a November 2025 US visit with President Trump. 

A UN report noted five thwarted ISIS assassination attempts on him. ISIS exploits transitional vacuums, targeting government-held areas beyond SDF zones.