Islamic State Claims First Attack on New Syrian Forces Since Assad’s Fall

An Islamic State (IS) attack in southern Syria has marked the group’s first acknowledged assault on forces aligned with the country’s newly established government since the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The incident, confirmed by multiple monitoring organizations, underscores the enduring threat posed by militant groups amid Syria’s ongoing political transition.

According to reports, the attack targeted a Syrian military patrol from the 70th Division, resulting in one fatality and injuring three soldiers. The patrol was struck by a landmine that was reportedly detonated remotely on Wednesday. The blast occurred in the rural southern region of Syria, a zone that has seen increasing activity by militant remnants despite efforts by the Syrian army to assert control.

IS Claim and Security Implications

The SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks jihadist communications, reported that the Islamic State has formally claimed responsibility for the attack. This represents the first public acknowledgment by the group of an operation targeting the current Syrian administration since the political shift that followed Assad’s departure. The attack is seen as a significant development, signaling the group’s intent to reassert its presence in the region.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor with a network of sources on the ground, also confirmed the incident and casualties. The targeted patrol was part of routine operations by the 70th Division, which is one of the units responsible for securing areas previously under militant influence.