Russian Deputy FM warns of ISIS resurgence in post-Assad Syria

Jan. 3, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Friday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov expressed serious concerns about the possible resurgence of ISIS in Syria amid the current political transition, according to statements made to Russian media.

Ryabkov underlined that the latest developments in Syria have built conditions that could enable ISIS's reorganization and return.

"There are real risks of ISIS resurgence, along with other extremist groups that were previously active in Syria before their apparent dissolution," the deputy minister stated.

Security sources report that the collapse of Assad-controlled prisons has already brought about increased ISIS activities across 14 regions in Syria, with numerous of these areas situated near the Iraqi border.

This development raises noteworthy security concerns for both Syria and its neighboring countries.

This warning comes as Syria experiences a major political shift after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government in Dec. 8, 2024.

ISIS, which once controlled significant territory in Syria and Iraq, was mainly defeated militarily by 2019 through international coalition efforts.

However, the group has maintained sleeper cells in various regions.