Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, speaking on Thursday, revealed that ISIS is regaining strength by seizing weapons left behind following the Syrian army's collapse and its abandoned depots. This, he said, has allowed the terror group to expand its territorial control.
Hussein delivered the warning during a phone conversation with Hamish Falconer, the UK’s Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, according to Iraqi Foreign Ministry Statement.
He raised concerns about the dangers posed by ISIS militants escaping from prisons and worsening conditions in Syria’s Al-Hol Camp.
"The deteriorating situation could directly impact security in both Syria and Iraq,” Hussein stated.
The minister stressed the need to rebuild Syria's political process by ensuring representation of all societal components.
He also called for sustainable international aid to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
UK Minister Falconer, in turn, expressed his approval of recent outcomes from the Aqaba meetings, in which the UK participated.
He underscored the importance of continuing these meetings to monitor developments and stabilize the situation in Syria.
Falconer voiced his concern over the growing risks of armed conflict between various factions and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
“The situation in Syria cannot withstand more internal fighting,” Falconer emphasized.
Syria has faced over a decade of war or terror since 2011, marked by conflict between the pro-Assad troops, foreign-backed opposition forces, and extremist groups like ISIS.
Following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's government on December 8, 2024, Syria has experienced significant upheaval. The power vacuum has enabled extremist groups like ISIS to regroup by seizing abandoned military arsenals, posing renewed security threats in the region.
The Israeli regime has exacerbated Syria's turmoil by launching over 350 airstrikes that have decimated critical military infrastructure, including anti-aircraft systems, military airfields, and weapons production facilities.
This relentless campaign has severely undermined Syria's defense capabilities, compounding the challenges faced by the newly formed transitional government under Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, which now grapples with the daunting task of restoring stability, rebuilding the shattered defense framework, and addressing dire humanitarian crises amid escalating regional tensions and persistent security threats.