Sweida, Syria – The Islamic State (IS) group has officially claimed responsibility for its first attack on the newly-formed Syrian government forces, according to reports by war monitors on Thursday.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday in the southern province of Sweida, involved an explosive device detonated remotely, striking a military vehicle belonging to the 70th Division of the Syrian army. One individual, reportedly accompanying the soldiers, lost his life in the blast, while three soldiers sustained injuries.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring organization, confirmed the details and emphasized the significance of this development. The IS group’s claim was made public through the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist activity online.
This latest incident is being regarded as the first attack by IS directly aimed at Syria’s new government since the fall of long-time President Bashar al-Assad. The group has previously focused its operations in the desert interiors and against Kurdish-led forces in the northeast, where clashes have been ongoing.
Despite IS losing its territorial stronghold in Syria in 2019, following intense campaigns led by Kurdish forces and backed by an international coalition, the militant group continues to maintain sleeper cells across the region. Their ability to strike strategic military targets underscores the persistent security threats in post-Assad Syria.
Earlier this week, Syrian officials reported the arrest of an IS-affiliated cell on the outskirts of Damascus. Authorities accused the suspects of plotting coordinated attacks in urban areas. In a separate operation in Aleppo, one security officer was killed alongside three IS militants.
Meanwhile, the international community continues to grapple with Syria’s evolving political landscape. Although early reactions to the Islamist-led government that succeeded Assad were mixed, recent diplomatic gestures—most notably from the United States—suggest a cautious engagement. During a high-profile meeting in Riyadh earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to collaborate with Washington in curbing any potential resurgence of IS activities.
As tensions remain high and the new government consolidates power, the resurgence of IS attacks highlights ongoing instability and the enduring threat posed by extremist factions in Syria.