International Concerns Grow Over ISIS Resurgence as Security Talks Loom on Syria’s Future

International concerns are mounting over the potential resurgence of ISIS activity in Syria, amid the absence of decisive solutions capable of eliminating the threat once and for all. This comes alongside reports of anticipated security talks between Israel and Syria’s transitional government, under U.S. mediation, to discuss security arrangements for the post–Assad era.

International newspapers and news websites highlighted today the joint airstrikes carried out by Britain and France against sites suspected of being used by ISIS militants inside Syrian territory, viewing them as a reflection of ongoing Western anxiety over the group’s ability to reorganize despite losing territorial control in 2019.

The U.S.-based Media Line reported that the British and French air forces conducted a joint airstrike targeting a site linked to ISIS, as part of limited operations aimed at containing the group’s activity. The outlet quoted Syrian military expert Adham Tarek as saying that the strike carries significant tactical importance but does not represent a fundamental solution to the growing threat.

Tarek explained that ISIS is no longer a conventional organization controlling cities and territories, but has transformed into a flexible network relying on covert operations and small, mobile cells. He noted that airstrikes may temporarily weaken its capabilities, but do not eliminate the threat unless accompanied by sustained intelligence and ground efforts. He added that Syria’s complex geography and the multiplicity of controlling forces continue to provide a conducive environment for the spread of extremist cells.

For his part, an expert on extremist groups told the website that ISIS has entered a new phase of activity based on carrying out limited attacks and individual recruitment rather than direct territorial control, taking advantage of economic and social crises and weak services in unstable areas.

In parallel, Israel’s Jerusalem Post reported that senior officials from Israel and Syria’s transitional government are set to hold meetings on Monday and Tuesday, mediated by U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, marking the first such encounters between the two sides since Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington last November.

According to the newspaper, the Israeli delegation includes Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, the Prime Minister’s military secretary, the newly appointed Mossad chief Major General Roman Gofman, as well as a senior official from the National Security Council, while Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani will represent the Syrian side.

The paper noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed Israeli security moves in Syria with U.S. envoy Tom Barrack during a meeting held last December, as part of broader negotiations aimed at reaching a new security arrangement with Damascus.

Citing informed sources, the Jerusalem Post reported that Israel and the United States have reached understandings on two key issues: maintaining Israel’s freedom of action inside Syria to confront security threats, and advancing U.S.–Syrian talks toward a potential security agreement.

By contrast, the newspaper quoted Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar as saying that Israel and Syria are now further than before from reaching a security agreement after Damascus put forward new demands, during a conference held in Washington on December 10.

The paper also reported that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump rejected an Israeli request not to lift all sanctions imposed on Syria, according to the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation.

These developments come at a time when security challenges in Syria are increasingly intertwined between the risk of extremist groups’ resurgence and efforts to reshape the regional landscape, amid the absence of a comprehensive vision capable of ensuring long-term stability in the country.