Resurgence of ISIS: Targeting Syrian Forces in Sweida

ISIS has intensified its insurgency in Syria, marking its first attacks against the new government since December, resulting in casualties among government soldiers. This resurgence underscores the challenges of establishing security in Syria's volatile regions.

The Islamic State (ISIS) has announced its involvement in two bomb explosions targeting government forces in southern Syria, a concerning development as it represents the group's first direct action against the newly established government since it took power in December. The extremist group made these claims through two statements released online and reported by the SITE Intelligence Group.

While the Syrian government has not acknowledged ISIS's involvement, it stated that it had undertaken operations against the group in the Damascus area within the last week. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring organization based in the UK, reported that a remote-controlled land mine detonated during a patrol in Sweida Province, resulting in the death of one civilian and injuring three members of the Syrian Army’s 70th Division.

The attacks occurred in the southern province of Sweida, an area where ISIS had not been active for years. The region faces significant security challenges, primarily due to its governance by the Druse minority. Tensions have escalated recently, with sectarian violence between local militants and pro-government forces claiming over 100 lives in late April and early May.

Despite suffering considerable losses and being pushed back from large territories a decade ago due to concerted military efforts from U.S. and allied forces, ISIS has maintained a low-level insurgency in eastern Syria since 2019. Its recent operations indicate a noticeable resurgence, particularly following the ousting of dictator Bashar al-Assad, with the group claiming responsibility for various attacks, including a car bombing in Damascus and other incidents in eastern sectors of Syria.