Ibrahim Yusuf
February 22, 2026
The extremist group – Islamic State has claimed responsibility for two fresh attacks targeting Syrian army personnel in northern and eastern Syria, signalling what it described as a new phase of operations against the country’s leadership.
The group, also known as IS, said the attacks were carried out in the cities of Mayadin in Deir al Zor province and Raqqa. It claimed that one Syrian army personnel were shot with a pistol in Mayadin while two others were attacked with machine guns in Raqqa.
Syria’s Defence Ministry confirmed that a soldier and a civilian were killed on Saturday by unidentified attackers. A military source disclosed that the slain soldier was a member of the army’s 42nd Division.
The renewed violence comes amid heightened tension between IS and the Syrian government led by President Ahmed al Sharaa. The group released an audio statement through its spokesperson Abu Hudhayfa al Ansari, accusing the Syrian leadership of aligning with foreign powers and vowing continued attacks.
IS described the development as a new operational phase and warned that the current leadership would face the same fate as former President Bashar al Assad, who was removed from office in late 2024.
Security analysts say the attacks reflect attempts by the militant group to reassert its presence following leadership changes in Syria. Reports indicate that IS has carried out multiple assaults against government targets since the fall of Assad.
The United Nations Office of Counter Terrorism recently disclosed that several assassinations attempts allegedly linked to IS had been foiled, targeting senior Syrian officials. Authorities have stepped up security operations in response to the growing threat.
