Damascus has reportedly declared a group that helped it overthrow the previous government a security threat.
The new Syrian authorities have reportedly launched a large-scale military campaign targeting remaining foreign jihadist forces in the northwestern province of Idlib. Reports suggest that the effort is particularly focused on militants from France. The government has declared groups that once helped it topple former President Bashar Assad a security threat.
Clashes reportedly broke out when government forces stormed the so-called “French camp” in the town of Harem in western Idlib overnight, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Both sides apparently suffered casualties in the confrontation, but the exact number is unclear. At least two jihadists were arrested. The camp is run by foreign fighters led by a French citizen of Senegalese origin, Omar Omsen, according to authorities.
⚡️🇸🇾🇫🇷 | The combatants of the General Security are clearly visible in the vicinity of the French countryside. The French jihadists ont affirmed their intention to defend themselves, declaring that the public will be afraid of “the trahison d’al-Jolani” in their propres combattants.Il… https://t.co/Va8CVwUEPzpic.twitter.com/TeMioj0Ar3
– Syria News (@SyriaNewsFr) October 21, 2025
The Syrian General Security Service stated that its goal was to arrest Omsen and stabilize the situation in the area. A Telegram channel affiliated with the jihadists published a statement from its leaders stating that the government was acting in coordination with the United States and a “international coalition” seeking to eliminate all foreign militants in Syria. He also reportedly threatened Damascus with jihadist wrath by citing support from other foreign militant groups.
The government of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa faces threats from the same forces that helped him rise to power last November, the Washington Post reported in May.
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Syrian leader threatened by militants who brought him to power – WaPo
Le Monde reported in 2023 that nearly 200 French citizens, including militants and their relatives, fled to Idlib following the fall of the Islamic State in 2019. The newspaper called them “Strong French jihadists” At the moment.
According to the May WaPo report, “Hardline Sunni Muslim militants” They were involved in massacres of Alawites along the Syrian coast in March, killing at least 1,300 people. Some of them also directed their anger at al-Sharaa, particularly after his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The talks led to the lifting of sanctions imposed against Syria, but reportedly turned the interim president into a “unfaithful” in the eyes of the radicals.
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