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ISIS Escalates Attacks on Syrian Interim President

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. calates-attacks-on-syrian-interim-president.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 18:24 GMT by WTOP News
      Locale: N/A, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC

Beirut, Lebanon - February 21, 2026 - The Islamic State (ISIS) has sharply escalated its rhetorical attacks on Syria, directly targeting interim President Riad al-Maliki in a newly released statement. The group derided al-Maliki as a "puppet without a soul," and issued a direct call to its remaining followers to increase the intensity of attacks against the Syrian government and its allies, including Russian forces and the remnants of various rebel groups now loosely aligned with Damascus. The statement, widely circulated through ISIS's established network of online channels, signals a renewed attempt by the organization to project relevance and incite violence amidst ongoing regional instability.

While ISIS has suffered significant territorial losses in Syria and Iraq over the past several years, culminating in the defeat of its self-proclaimed caliphate in 2019, the group remains a potent threat through its decentralized network of cells and its continued ability to inspire lone wolf attacks. Security analysts are increasingly concerned that this latest rhetoric isn't merely propagandistic, but represents a deliberate strategy to reignite its flagging momentum and attract new recruits.

"The targeting of al-Maliki is symbolic," explains Dr. Amina Khalil, a regional security expert at the Lebanese American University. "He represents the internationally-recognized, albeit weakened, Syrian government. By delegitimizing him, ISIS hopes to sow discord and undermine any perceived legitimacy the Assad regime still holds, even after years of civil war. It's a classic tactic - attacking the figurehead to destabilize the whole structure."

The statement closely follows a pattern observed in recent months: ISIS releasing condemnations of regional leaders and amplifying calls for attacks, often coinciding with periods of relative quiet for the group in terms of major operations. This suggests a calculated effort to remain in the headlines and demonstrate its enduring capacity for violence. Experts believe that the group is acutely aware of the diminishing public attention it receives compared to other global conflicts, such as the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The appeal to intensify attacks isn't limited to traditional military targets. The statement specifically urged followers to target "apostates" and "collaborators" - a broad categorization that could include civilians working with the Syrian government, aid workers, or even religious leaders deemed to be insufficiently supportive of ISIS's extremist ideology. This expansion of potential targets is particularly worrying for humanitarian organizations operating in Syria, who already face immense challenges accessing vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, analysts suggest the recent ISIS messaging is aimed at capitalizing on the pervasive sense of disillusionment and economic hardship that continues to plague many parts of Syria. Years of war have left the country devastated, with widespread poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic services. ISIS seeks to exploit this desperation by presenting itself as an alternative, however twisted, to the failing state. The group's propaganda often focuses on promises of stability and justice, appealing to those who feel marginalized and abandoned by the government.

"ISIS is effectively attempting to rebrand itself as a resistance movement," says Tariq Hassan, a counter-terrorism consultant based in Amman, Jordan. "They're trying to portray themselves not just as terrorists, but as defenders of the oppressed, capitalizing on genuine grievances to recruit new members. This makes countering their narrative much more difficult."

The resurgence of ISIS rhetoric also comes at a time when regional security dynamics are increasingly complex. The withdrawal of US forces from certain areas of Syria has created a power vacuum, and the ongoing proxy conflicts involving various regional powers have further destabilized the country. This provides ISIS with opportunities to exploit the resulting chaos and expand its influence.

The international community faces a significant challenge in addressing the ongoing threat posed by ISIS. While military operations have been successful in dismantling the group's territorial control, tackling its ideological roots and preventing the resurgence of its network requires a multifaceted approach. This includes strengthening governance, addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that contribute to extremism, and enhancing international cooperation in countering online propaganda. The latest statement serves as a stark reminder that despite its territorial defeats, ISIS remains a dangerous and adaptable enemy, capable of exploiting vulnerabilities and inspiring violence in a volatile region.