Syria raids ahead of Sharaa's Washington visit amid Trump talks
Syria raids ahead of Sharaa's Washington visit amid Trump talks
Syria launches 61 preemptive raids as President Ahmed al-Sharaa heads to Washington to meet Trump, signaling security cooperation and a diplomatic pivot.
Syria carried out nationwide preemptive operations against Islamic State cells on Saturday as President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Washington for talks with Donald Trump. A spokesperson for the interior ministry told state-run Al Ekhbariya TV that 61 raids were conducted, 71 people were arrested, and explosives and weapons were seized in the operations that spanned several provinces. The timing underscored the government’s aim to project security and a willingness to cooperate with international partners as Sharaa headed to the United States.
Sharaa’s trip marks a historic moment—the first Syrian president to visit the United States since the country’s independence in 1946. Analysts say the visit is meant to present a more moderate image and to press for international support, including funds for Syria’s reconstruction. Washington had moved to remove Sharaa from its terrorism blacklist, and the United Nations Security Council had voted to lift other sanctions, clearing the path for dialogue with Washington. The American side has previously signaled that Sharaa could sign on to the international coalition against Islamic State.
Officials have indicated that the United States plans to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor developments between Syria and Israel, a diplomacy source in Syria said in a report cited by another outlet. Back home, Sharaa’s government has said it is committed to finding missing Americans and eliminating any remaining chemical weapons, steps Washington has demanded as preconditions for deeper engagement.
Despite the hopeful tone, analysts warn that real policy shifts depend on the outcomes of negotiations and the pace of foreign support. Sharaa’s arrival in Washington and the intensification of security operations could set the stage for a broader realignment, but the path remains uncertain as both sides weigh security concerns against regional ambitions.
Cover image source: Syrian President al-Sharaa arrives in U.S. for landmark visit, set to meet Trump 🔗
