Syria Joins US-Led Coalition Against ISIS as 90th Member

Syria officially joined the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on November 11, 2025, becoming the alliance’s 90th member in a historic diplomatic shift that transforms Damascus from pariah state to counterterrorism partner. The announcement came hours after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s White House meeting with President Trump, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian leader to Washington.
Syrian Information Minister Hamza al-Mustafa confirmed the accession, stating the “political cooperation declaration” contains “no military components” at present. The agreement commits Damascus to combating ISIS and supporting regional stability while granting Syria access to coalition intelligence-sharing systems and the right to resume embassy operations in Washington for enhanced counterterrorism, security, and economic coordination.
The move follows Syria’s claim of foiling two ISIS assassination plots against al-Sharaa in recent months, demonstrating the persistent threat from militant remnants. Al-Mustafa announced nationwide preemptive operations targeting ISIS cells resulted in 61 raids, 71 arrests, and seizure of explosives and weapons. These actions proved Syria’s counterterrorism capabilities to skeptical coalition members.
Al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander whose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, was removed from the U.S. terror list last week, canceling a $10 million bounty. Trump praised him as “a very strong leader” and extended Caesar Act sanctions waivers for six additional months, though human rights sanctions remain under review.
The coalition membership fundamentally alters Syria’s international standing. It gains legitimacy as a partner in the global war on terror, potentially accelerating sanctions relief. Militarily, it opens doors for technical support and joint operations, though current coordination remains limited to intelligence sharing between Syria’s Interior Ministry and coalition operations rooms.
Experts caution the pact carries risks. The agreement currently excludes Syria’s Defense Ministry, which remains in formative stages with limited capacity for background checks. This structural weakness prevents full military trust. Additionally, Syria lacks agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the coalition’s ground partner, complicating integrated operations.
The deal also sidesteps peace with Israel. Al-Sharaa told Fox News direct negotiations would be “premature,” though he welcomed Trump’s potential mediation. This stance maintains leverage while focusing on immediate security gains.
Critics warn Trump is repeating Afghan mistakes by overemphasizing ISIS threats while accommodating other jihadis. The SDF’s future integration remains unresolved, and Syria’s army still contains foreign fighter units. However, al-Sharaa views coalition membership as crucial for consolidating power, undermining SDF leverage, and accessing reconstruction funding.
Washington’s motivations are clear: securing Syrian cooperation against ISIS without committing troops. The coalition has conducted five joint operations with Damascus in three months, killing senior ISIS leader Salah Nouman al-Jubouri in August. With 80+ nations committed, adding Syria provides a direct line to the group’s former strongholds.
The pact’s success hinges on clear benchmarks. Syria must prevent terror financing, integrate SDF forces, and protect minority communities. Without these safeguards, experts warn the country could become a hub for jihadist activity despite coalition membership.