Arabic version: داعش يدعو إلى هجمات على قوات الحكومة السورية
The Islamic State (IS) group has called for attacks on Syria’s government and national army in its first audio message in two years. In a recording released on Saturday, spokesperson Abu Huzaifa al-Ansari declared that the group’s priority is to overthrow President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s “apostate and secular rule.” Al-Sharaa, formerly known as al-Qaeda-aligned Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, became the interim president in January 2025 after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
According to Middle East Eye, the message follows Syria’s official entry into the US-led coalition against ISIS, which occurred during al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington in November 2025. The group criticized Syria’s coalition membership, labeling the coalition forces as “crusaders” and vowing to continue fighting in Damascus.
Cagatay Cebe, an independent researcher on jihadist movements, noted that the audio statement signifies a shift in IS’s strategy, marking a new phase centered on Syria. Following territorial losses in 2019, IS had maintained a low profile but began claiming responsibility for attacks after al-Sharaa’s Washington visit.
Shortly after the audio was released, IS claimed responsibility for an attack in Raqqa that killed two alleged members of the Syrian army. The group had also recently attacked security forces in Deir al-Zor. A UN report highlighted IS’s attempts on the lives of al-Sharaa and other senior officials, indicating the group’s renewed focus on operations within Syria.
