What's happened
Since late December 2025, Islamic State (IS) has intensified attacks in Syria, including a suicide bombing in Aleppo on New Year's Eve and a deadly assault in Palmyra that killed three Americans. In response, Syrian and US forces have struck IS targets. Concurrently, Turkey has conducted nationwide raids detaining hundreds of IS suspects linked to planned attacks on Christmas and New Year celebrations, following a deadly siege in Yalova province.
What's behind the headline?
IS Resurgence Amid Fragile Regional Stability
The recent spike in IS attacks in Syria and Turkey underscores the group's persistent threat despite territorial losses years ago. The December 13 Palmyra attack killing US personnel and the New Year's Eve bombing in Aleppo reveal IS's capability to exploit Syria's fragile security landscape post-Assad. The integration of former opposition fighters into Syria's security forces, rapid recruitment, and uneven vetting create vulnerabilities that IS exploits.
Turkey's Aggressive Counterterrorism Measures
Turkey's sweeping raids, detaining hundreds of suspects across multiple provinces, reflect a proactive stance against IS resurgence. The deadly siege in Yalova, where militants and police clashed, highlights the ongoing risk within Turkey's borders. Turkey's geographic position as a transit hub for militants makes these operations critical to regional security.
US-Syria Cooperation and Its Limits
Syria's new government under al-Sharaa, a former jihadist, has strengthened ties with the US-led coalition, improving intelligence sharing and joint operations against IS. However, the infiltration of IS sympathizers within Syrian security forces and the complex sectarian violence raise concerns about the durability of this cooperation.
Forecast and Implications
IS will likely continue low-scale attacks exploiting security gaps in Syria and Turkey. Both countries' intensified counterterrorism efforts will disrupt many plots but may not fully eliminate the threat due to structural challenges. The US-Syria collaboration marks a significant shift but remains fragile amid Syria's internal divisions. Civilians, especially minorities, remain at risk amid sectarian tensions exacerbated by IS violence.
Relevance to Readers
For global audiences, this story highlights the enduring threat of IS beyond headline-grabbing territorial defeats. For those in or connected to the region, it signals ongoing security risks and the importance of international cooperation in counterterrorism.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel and The New Arab provide detailed accounts of IS's increased attacks in Syria, including the Aleppo suicide bombing and the Palmyra attack that killed three Americans. Both highlight Syria's intensified security measures and the government's cooperation with the US-led coalition. The New York Times offers insight into the Syrian Interior Ministry's perspective, noting the bomber's likely IS links and the challenges in vetting new recruits within Syria's security forces.
AP News and The New Arab extensively cover Turkey's nationwide raids, reporting hundreds of IS suspects detained following a deadly siege in Yalova province. They emphasize the government's efforts to prevent holiday attacks and the historical context of IS violence in Turkey. Al Jazeera adds depth by discussing the broader regional context, including US strikes in Syria and the complex sectarian violence in Syria under al-Sharaa's government.
These sources collectively illustrate a multi-front struggle against IS, with Syria and Turkey facing distinct but interconnected challenges. The New York Times and Al Jazeera provide nuanced analysis of Syria's internal dynamics and US-Syria cooperation, while AP News and The New Arab focus on Turkey's robust counterterrorism operations. Together, they offer a comprehensive picture of IS's evolving threat and the regional responses.
How we got here
IS lost territorial control in Iraq and Syria by 2019 but remains active through cells. Syria's new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa since Assad's fall in 2024, has joined the US-led coalition against IS. Turkey, a key transit point for militants, has increased counter-IS operations amid rising global IS activity and threats targeting non-Muslims during holiday periods.
Go deeper
- How has Syria's new government changed the fight against IS?
- What are the details of Turkey's recent raids against IS suspects?
- How effective is US-Syria cooperation in combating IS?
Common question
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Why Did Turkish Police Detain 115 Suspects During Christmas?
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How Are Countries Protecting Celebrations During Holidays?
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What’s the Latest on Turkey’s Counterterrorism Efforts Against ISIL?
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Are There New Terror Threats Around the World?
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How Are Countries Protecting Celebrations During the Holidays?
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Are Recent Terror Activities Linked to Major Sports Events?
With recent security operations targeting ISIL cells in Turkey and ongoing threats around the world, many are wondering how terrorism impacts large sports events. Are there connections between terror activities and major tournaments? How do authorities ensure safety without ruining the experience for fans? Below, we explore these questions and more to keep you informed about the security landscape surrounding global sports and terrorism.
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What is Turkey doing to fight ISIS in 2025?
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What is Turkey doing to fight ISIS in 2026?
Turkey has stepped up its efforts against ISIS in 2026, conducting nationwide raids and detaining hundreds of suspected militants. Recent clashes, including a deadly confrontation in Yalova, highlight Turkey's ongoing battle to prevent terrorist attacks during the holiday season. With coordinated military operations alongside US and Syrian strikes, Turkey aims to dismantle ISIS cells and prevent future threats. But what exactly are Turkey's current strategies, and how effective are they? Here’s what you need to know about Turkey’s fight against ISIS this year.
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Why Are Turkey and Syria Cracking Down on IS Now?
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Why Are Global Military Operations Increasing in 2026?
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How Are Countries Managing Tensions and Ceasefires in 2026?
In 2026, global tensions and conflicts continue to shape international relations. From fragile ceasefires between Thailand and Cambodia to intensified crackdowns on extremist groups in Syria and Turkey, nations are navigating complex peace processes amid ongoing risks. Curious about the latest developments, diplomatic efforts, and potential for renewed violence? Below, we explore the key questions about how countries are managing conflicts and striving for stability this year.
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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An Islamic state is a state that has a form of government based on Islamic law. As a term, it has been used to describe various historical polities and theories of governance in the Islamic world.
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Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Ali Yerlikaya is a Turkish bureaucrat who has served as the Governor of Istanbul since 26 October 2018. Following the annulment of the March 2019 Istanbul mayoral election, Yerlikaya briefly served as the acting Mayor of Istanbul until a new successor was
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The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, officially known as the Islamic State and also known by its Arabic-language acronym Daesh, is a militant group and a former unrecognised proto-state that follows
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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