The United States is increasingly collaborating with Syrian authorities to combat ISIL (ISIS) threats, signaling a major shift in Middle East security dynamics. US Central Command chief Brad Cooper revealed on Wednesday that Washington and Damascus have engaged in multiple coordinated operations against terrorist networks, underscoring a surprising partnership in post-Assad Syria.

US-Syria Collaboration Against ISIL

Speaking virtually at the Middle East Institute, General Cooper stated that the US military is working to “foster cooperation” with Syrian government forces to counter ongoing ISIS threats in the region.

“We have now had multiple instances of collaboration with the Syrian government to counter very specific ISIS threats,” Cooper said, highlighting recent joint efforts to locate and destroy militant weapon caches.

In a notable example, Cooper reported cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Interior that led to the destruction of 15 ISIS weapon sites in southern Syria, seizing over 130 mortars, rockets, small arms, antitank mines, IED materials, and illicit drugs.

Post-Assad Syria: A New Security Landscape

Cooper’s announcement comes on the first anniversary of Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, a period marked by significant political transition. The fall of Assad has reshaped alliances, with Syria pivoting from decades of alignment with Russia and Iran to cooperating with the US on counterterrorism operations.

The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), predominantly Kurdish-led and controlling northeastern Syria, are also being integrated into Syrian state security forces. Cooper emphasized that this integration “will lead to a more predictable and stable security environment,” though occasional clashes between SDF units and government forces persist.

Syria Joins Global Coalition Against ISIL

Last month, Syria officially joined the US-led global coalition against ISIL. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander with historical ties to extremist networks, visited Washington, DC, and met President Donald Trump, cementing the collaboration.

“This is the type of tangible security gain achievable through close cooperation with Syrian government forces,” Cooper said, noting the importance of intercepting weapons shipments destined for Hezbollah in Lebanon.

US Military Presence and Strategy

Despite the collaboration, the US plans to reduce its military footprint in Syria, scaling back the number of bases and troops stationed in the country. At the height of the fight against ISIL, the US deployed approximately 2,000 troops to Syria, but operations now focus on strategic cooperation with Syrian forces and targeted counterterrorism missions.

Cooper also reiterated US support for envoy Tom Barrack’s vision of a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors, highlighting the role of diplomatic and military coordination in achieving regional security.

Regional Implications

While the US has praised its cooperation with Syria, Israel—America’s top regional ally—has continued to conduct air strikes and military operations in southern Syria, targeting groups it perceives as threats. Cooper did not address Israeli operations during his remarks, instead focusing on the potential for US-Syrian collaboration to secure the region.

Cooper concluded on an optimistic note, emphasizing that despite remaining challenges, there is “great reason for optimism and hope about the historic opportunity ahead” in a post-Assad Syria working with the United States to combat terrorism.