US Shares Classified Intelligence With New Syrian Leaders on ISIS Threats

The United States has started sharing classified intelligence with Syria's new government, led by the Islamist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to combat the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). This cooperation, confirmed by multiple current and former U.S. officials, began shortly after HTS overthrew the Assad regime in December, with at least one intelligence exchange averting a planned attack on the Sayyida Zainab shrine in Damascus. While the U.S. maintains HTS's designation as a terrorist organization due to its past affiliations, it has engaged directly with HTS officials to address mutual security concerns. The Biden administration initiated this cautious relationship before transitioning to the Trump administration, which has shown reluctance to interfere in Syria. Despite the collaboration, skepticism about HTS's governance capabilities and intentions remains prevalent. U.S. officials have emphasized that sharing intelligence is a standard practice when credible threats are identified, regardless of the political complexities involved.