Historic Move: Syria Joins Global Coalition Against ISIL
Washington, D.C. — In a landmark development, Syria has officially joined the United States-led international coalition formed to combat the ISIL (ISIS) armed group, signaling a major diplomatic shift after more than a decade of global isolation.
The announcement came on Monday, November 10, 2025, shortly after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was received at the White House by US President Donald Trump, marking the first state-level meeting between Washington and Damascus in over 15 years.
Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa confirmed the decision, stating that Syria’s entry into the coalition reflects its “commitment to combating terrorism and supporting regional stability.”
Cooperation Agreement Without Military Involvement
According to al-Mustafa, the “political cooperation declaration” signed between Damascus and the coalition currently contains no direct military components, focusing instead on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism coordination, and border security.
“The agreement is political and until now contains no military components,” al-Mustafa posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The move officially makes Syria the 90th country to join the US-led coalition, which was originally established in 2014 to dismantle ISIL’s strongholds in Iraq and Syria. The alliance now focuses on preventing foreign fighters from regrouping and countering the group’s remaining cells across the Middle East.
Al-Sharaa’s White House Visit: From Pariah to Partner
The announcement follows President al-Sharaa’s historic visit to Washington, where he met President Donald Trump for bilateral talks. The meeting concluded with a six-month suspension of US sanctions on Syria — a gesture widely seen as recognition of Damascus’s willingness to re-engage with international efforts against terrorism.
Outside the White House, al-Sharaa waved to cheering supporters, marking a remarkable turnaround for the 43-year-old Syrian leader, who was removed from Washington’s global “terror” list just last week.
Al-Sharaa, who rose to power after ousting former President Bashar al-Assad in December, was once the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) — a militant faction previously affiliated with al-Qaeda. His removal from the terror list and the cancellation of a $10 million US bounty for his capture represent a dramatic shift in US-Syria relations.
President Trump praised al-Sharaa for “taking courageous steps toward peace and cooperation,” calling Syria’s participation in the anti-ISIL coalition “a positive signal for regional security.”
Syria Launches Preemptive Operations Against ISIL
Ahead of the White House visit, Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced that nationwide preemptive operations had been conducted targeting suspected ISIL sleeper cells.
According to state-run Al-Ikhbariah TV, Syrian security forces carried out 61 raids, arresting 71 individuals and seizing large caches of explosives and weapons.
Officials said the operations were designed to demonstrate Syria’s “readiness and commitment” to the coalition’s counterterrorism goals.
Foiled Assassination Plots Against al-Sharaa
The renewed focus on counterterrorism comes as Syrian and Western intelligence sources confirmed that two ISIL plots to assassinate President al-Sharaa were foiled in recent months.
According to Reuters, citing senior Syrian and Middle Eastern officials, both plots targeted al-Sharaa’s convoy in Damascus and Aleppo. The officials said the incidents “underscore the persistent danger that ISIL continues to pose,” particularly to leaders attempting to stabilize the country.
Security analysts say the revelations highlight the risks facing al-Sharaa’s new administration, which is attempting to consolidate control after 14 years of devastating civil war that left the country fragmented and economically crippled.
A New Chapter in US–Syria Relations
The US suspension of sanctions marks one of the most significant diplomatic openings between the two countries since relations collapsed following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
Under the new agreement, the US and Syria will exchange intelligence, coordinate anti-terror operations, and explore limited humanitarian and reconstruction partnerships under UN supervision.
Washington’s decision to re-engage is part of a broader regional effort to isolate remaining ISIL factions and reduce Iran’s influence in Syria, analysts say.
“This deal signals a pragmatic shift in US foreign policy,” said Aaron Klein, a Middle East analyst. “Bringing Damascus into the anti-ISIL coalition redefines the battlefield and opens channels for controlled cooperation.”
International Reaction
The announcement drew mixed reactions across the region.
- Iraq and Jordan welcomed Syria’s inclusion, calling it a “necessary step toward regional stability.”
- Turkey expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that former militant factions are “fully disarmed and transparent.”
- Iran, long a key ally of Assad’s former regime, remained silent, though Iranian media described the move as a “Western attempt to reassert control in the region.”
The Road Ahead for Syria
Syria’s entry into the US-led coalition may mark the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter after years of war, sanctions, and isolation. Yet challenges remain immense.
The country’s economy is in ruins, millions remain displaced, and pockets of ISIL resistance persist in desert areas.
For al-Sharaa, joining the coalition could bring short-term legitimacy but also long-term scrutiny — especially from those wary of his militant past.
Nonetheless, analysts agree that the partnership could help reduce violence, rebuild international confidence, and set the stage for a broader regional dialogue.
Key Takeaways
- Syria joins US-led coalition against ISIL as its 90th member.
- President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets US President Donald Trump in Washington.
- US temporarily suspends sanctions on Syria for six months.
- Syria launches nationwide raids targeting ISIL cells ahead of the deal.
- Foiled assassination plots underscore ISIL’s ongoing threat.
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