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Syria’s counterterrorism dilemma: Who can Washington trust?
A deadly attack on a Christian funeral in Jordan and subsequent Jordanian airstrikes in Syria have sparked a diplomatic dispute between Amman and Damascus. Bill Roggio is joined by FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi to discuss the Islamic State’s possible involvement, the deteriorating security situation in southern Syria, and the implications for US counterterrorism policy in the region.
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Syria hosts Iraqi PM for visit amid security challenges in north and south
Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi in Damascus on October 28 for talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and reviving energy cooperation. The historic visit came as Syria faces continuing security challenges, including a deadly Jordanian airstrike in the south, clashes with foreign jihadists in Idlib, and tensions surrounding the return of displaced Kurds in northern Syria.
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Jordanian Air Force strikes targets in Syria in retaliation for deadly church attack
On October 26, the Jordanian Air Force conducted multiple strikes against suspected Islamic State positions in southern Syria, targeting militants Jordan linked to an October 23 attack on a church in Karak that killed nine people and wounded dozens. Jordan said the strikes killed more than 20 militants, while Syrian authorities reported seven civilian deaths.
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Iraq juggles border security and ties with Iran, Syria, and Jordan
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al Zaidi is seeking to strengthen border security and regional cooperation amid tensions with Iran over the closure of a key crossing in Iraq’s Maysan province, while also pursuing closer ties with Jordan and Syria. The developments come as Baghdad continues to face threats from Iranian-backed militias, concerns over instability along its borders, and challenges to bringing armed groups under state control.
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Iraq pressured by regional countries to rein in Iran-backed militias as new data on extent of attacks released
Iraq faces mounting pressure to rein in the militias while balancing tensions with neighboring countries, the US, and Iran. The Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq has come under nearly 1,000 drone and missile attacks by Iran and its proxies since late February, underscoring the growing threat posed by Tehran’s network of militias.
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Iran’s war against regional states: UAE bore the brunt, Iraqi Kurdistan still under fire
The ceasefire between the US and Iran has largely held since April 8, and large-scale Iranian barrages targeting predominantly Arab states have ended. However, some attacks, particularly against Iraqi Kurdistan, have continued.
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5,000 Islamic State detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria, will face investigations
Around 5,000 Islamic State detainees have been transferred from Syria to Iraq under a US-facilitated mission that began in late January, following security shifts in eastern Syria. The number of detainees transferred is expected to reach up to 7,000. Iraqi officials say the transfers may conclude by February 12 and that the detainees will face investigation and prosecution. Iraq has stressed it will not become a permanent repository for foreign fighters and has urged countries to repatriate their citizens now in Iraqi custody.
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Jordan carries out airstrikes in Syria against drug smugglers
The Kingdom of Jordan conducted airstrikes targeting drug smuggling networks in southern Syria between December 23 and 25. The Jordanians coordinated with regional partners, although reports did not specify whom. The strikes targeted rural areas near the Jordanian border in Syria’s southern Suwayda Governorate, which is currently controlled by Druze forces.
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Muslim Brotherhood branch in Egypt threatens Jordanian state
The “Change Movement” in Egypt called for supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan to resist the Jordanian state after authorities banned the group on April 23.
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Jordan foils Muslim Brotherhood terrorist plot
On April 15, the Jordanian General Intelligence Directorate (GID) announced that it “foiled plans aimed at targeting national security, sowing chaos, and sabotage within Jordan.” The GID detained 16 suspects, stating it had monitored the activity since 2021.
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Israel strikes southern Syria amid continued demands for demilitarization
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out airstrikes in southern Syria on February 25 after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said that southern Syria must be a demilitarized zone. Local reports said that the strikes hit several areas in Daraa province, not far from Israel’s Golan Heights.
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Syria appoints new president amid widespread diplomatic engagement efforts
On January 29, Ahmed al Sharaa was declared the new president of Syria in the transitional government that came into power after the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8. This declaration led to congratulations from several Arab states in the region, and the Qatari emir arrived in Damascus on January 30, the first head of state to visit the new ruler. These developments are part of a broad diplomatic outreach by Sharaa and his new foreign minister.
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A new window into the Assad regime’s narcotrafficking operations
Worth approximately $10 billion, the illicit captagon drug trade served as a financial lifeline for the Assad regime in Syria. Since Bashar al Assad’s ouster, new details about narcotrafficking operations and the extent of regime involvement have come to light.
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Iran-affiliated cell reportedly found storing explosives in Jordan’s capital
Jordanian authorities announced an investigation that may have successfully thwarted an Iranian-backed attempt to destabilize the Kingdom. The efforts of Iran, its proxies, and allied organizations in Jordan have notably increased since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.
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Jordanian authorities thwart major drug smuggling operation linked to Iran-backed militias
Jordanian authorities thwarted a major drug smuggling operation linked to Hezbollah and Iran-backed militias, seizing 9.5 million Captagon pills and 143 kilograms of hashish, highlighting regional security challenges and straining Jordan’s resources.
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Iran and its network of militias threaten to destabilize Jordan
Iran-backed militias and proxies are threatening Jordan’s security.
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Hezbollah Brigades threatens to train 12,000 Jordanians to battle Israel
Hezbollah Brigades commander Abu Al-Askari threatens to arm Jordanians with the goal of attacking Israel.
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Three U.S. service members in Jordan killed by Iran-backed militias
President Biden blamed Iranian-backed militias for killing three US service members and injuring others following a drone attack on a base in Jordan.
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Israel Arrests Jordanian Lawmaker Suspected of Smuggling Weapons to the West Bank
Israeli authorities arrested Jordanian MP Imad al-Adwan on suspicion of smuggling weapons and gold into the West Bank.
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Photos show US joint patrols with rebels in southern Syria
The photos and videos show the extent of the US presence in southern Syria near the border with Iraq. This comes as the Tanf area of southeastern Syria has largely become a flash-point between US and Iranian-controlled forces.
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Islamic State claims Jordan suicide bombing
This suicide bombing is the first attack of its kind in Jordan since the civil war in Syria began.
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Jordan closes border crossing as rebels, Al Nusrah Front advance
Fighters from the Free Syrian Army, the Al Nusrah Front, Ahrar al Sham, Jaysh al Islam and other groups overran the Nasib border crossing between Syria and Jordan. The anti-Assad forces have made gains in southern Syrian in recent weeks.
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Analysis: The Islamic State claims Jordanian airstrikes killed an American hostage
The Islamic State claims that an American hostage was killed during Jordanian airstrikes earlier today. However, the statement could very well be a propaganda ploy, at least in part.
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Islamic State
The immolation of Mu’adh al-Kasasibah
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Al Qaeda jihadists celebrate release of anti-Islamic State ideologue
Jordan has reportedly released Abu Muhammad al Maqdisi. The move was celebrated by al Qaeda jihadists on social media, including those belonging to the Al Nusrah Front, al Qaeda’s official branch in Syria.
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Iraq
Jordanian jets return after striking at Islamic State targets in Syria: sources
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Iraq
Jordan considers expanding role in Coalition to hit Islamic State in Iraq
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Iraq
United Arab Emirates, key US ally in Islamic State effort, disengaged in December
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Iraq
Jordan hangs two Iraqi militants in response to pilot’s death
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Iraq
Jordan to execute jailed would-be bomber, jihadists
