LTG William Burke Garrett III

Syria News – 26 December 2025

A deadly explosion struck the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs today, killing 6–8 people and injuring around 18–21 others. The blast targeted a predominantly Alawite area, and an Islamist militant group has reportedly claimed responsibility. Syrian authorities have sealed the site and launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, regional tensions rise as Turkey deploys radar systems in Syria, drawing sharp criticism from Israel. This move adds to the already complex security landscape in the region.

Syria continues to face ongoing challenges: clashes between government forces and the Kurdish-led SDF persist in Aleppo, political negotiations remain stalled, and humanitarian conditions are dire. Millions of Syrians face food insecurity and displacement, with aid efforts ongoing but under strain.

Economically, the Central Bank of Syria announced a currency swap starting 1 January 2026 as part of broader reforms, while counterterrorism operations continue, including recent US airstrikes targeting ISIS positions.

Syria remains a focal point of conflict, diplomacy, and humanitarian concern, with security risks, sectarian tensions, and economic pressures shaping daily life.

A high-level Turkish team will visit Damascus today Monday 22/ 12/2025 for talks on the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). For those who may not know, SDF integration refers to a specific political-military issue in the context of the Syrian conflict. I would be very happy to witness discussions on how the SDF will be incorporated into Syria’s official state structures, especially the Syrian army and security forces. The aim is to bring more fighters under Damascus’s control rather than leaving them as a separate armed faction.
This comes after a deal agreed earlier this year to merge the SDF into the Syrian state apparatus but implementing that deal has been slow and contentious.
At this critical moment, we ask for prayers from fathers, mothers, and children all over the world. May wisdom guide the leaders, patience guide the people, and compassion guide every decision. Let dialogue replace conflict, unity replace division, and hope rise above fear. Above all, let us spread love and believe that peace, though difficult, is still possible for Syria and its future generations.

Comprehensive update on what is currently happening in Syria:
In recent days, Syria has seen a series of serious developments following the deadly attack on U.S. forces earlier this month. After the ambush near Palmyra that killed two U.S. Army soldiers and a civilian interpreter, the United States carried out large retaliatory strikes against ISIS targets across central Syria. These strikes targeted ISIS fighters, weapons depots, and operational infrastructure, with U.S. officials stating the objective is to disrupt ISIS networks, prevent further attacks, and reduce the group’s ability to operate.

ISIS has since responded publicly, acknowledging the Palmyra attack and portraying it as a strike against U.S. and Syrian forces. This reaction underscores that while ISIS no longer controls territory like it once did, it remains active as an insurgent organization, relying on small cells, surprise attacks, and ambushes rather than large-scale battles.

Beyond ISIS activity, the overall security situation inside Syria remains fragile. There have been reports of shootings and violent incidents in parts of central Syria that resulted in civilian deaths and injuries. Syrian authorities say investigations are ongoing, highlighting how instability continues to affect everyday life for civilians even outside major military confrontations.

At the regional level, military activity by external actors continues. Israeli forces have reportedly conducted raids and established checkpoints in areas of southwest Syria near the Golan Heights. Syrian officials have condemned these actions as violations of sovereignty, adding to existing regional tensions and illustrating how Syria remains a focal point for broader geopolitical conflicts.

Meanwhile, ongoing counter-terrorism operations continue across the country. U.S. and partner forces are conducting patrols, intelligence-driven raids, and targeted missions aimed at tracking down ISIS cells and preventing the group from regrouping. These efforts are part of a long-term strategy to keep ISIS weakened and unable to exploit security gaps.

High-level U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and senior defense leaders, have spoken publicly about the situation. They honored the Americans killed in the Palmyra attack, expressed condolences to their families, and made clear that attacks on U.S. personnel will not be tolerated. U.S. leadership has emphasized that strong military action will continue when American forces are targeted.

Beyond military developments, Syria also faces broader social and political challenges. Sectarian tensions, unresolved grievances from years of war, and weak local governance in some areas continue to fuel instability. These issues create conditions that extremist groups like ISIS try to exploit, even as the country attempts to move forward from prolonged conflict.

At the same time, the Syrian government has increased anti-ISIS actions, announcing raids, arrests, and weapons seizures targeting suspected ISIS cells in several cities. These operations suggest an effort by Syrian authorities to assert control and limit extremist activity, sometimes alongside international partners.

Taken together, these developments show that Syria remains in a delicate and complex phase. ISIS is weakened but not eliminated, civilians continue to face insecurity in certain regions, foreign military involvement persists, and counter-terrorism operations remain active. While large-scale war has subsided, peace and stability are still far from guaranteed.

Please take a moment to read and understand what happened in Syria.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, U.S. troops were on a routine counter-terrorism patrol near Palmyra in central Syria, working alongside local partner forces to prevent ISIS from returning. During this mission, the patrol was suddenly ambushed by an attacker linked to ISIS. Tragically, three Americans lost their lives — two U.S. Army soldiers and one civilian interpreter who was serving with them. Three other U.S. service members were wounded and are now receiving care.

Even though ISIS no longer controls land like it once did, the group is still dangerous. Today, ISIS operates in small hidden cells, carrying out surprise attacks, ambushes, and targeted violence. They recruit through online propaganda and inside prisons, and they fund themselves through smuggling, extortion, and illegal taxes. This is why U.S. forces remain in Syria in smaller numbers — to stop ISIS from rising again, protect civilians, support partner forces, and keep dangerous extremists from reorganizing.

After the attack, President Donald Trump spoke publicly, honoring the fallen Americans and calling them great patriots. He made it clear that ISIS was responsible and stated firmly that the United States will retaliate against anyone who attacks American troops. He also expressed sympathy for the families who are grieving this painful loss.

This incident is a powerful reminder that terrorism is still a real threat, that peace in Syria remains fragile, and that the men and women serving overseas continue to put their lives on the line to protect others. Please keep the families of the fallen in your prayers and remember the sacrifices made every day by those serving in dangerous places.

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Army Brig. Gen. James H. Dickinson passes a guidon to Army Lt. Gen. William B. Garrett III, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, during a change of command ceremony held at Noel Parade Field on Fort Bliss, Texas, March 21. Army Brig. Gen. Donald G. Fryc assumed command of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command from Dickinson during the ceremony.

Army Brig. Gen. Donald G. Fryc (Left) and Army Brig. Gen. James H. Dickinson (Right) conduct a pass and review during a change of command ceremony rehearsal at Noel Parade Field on Fort Bliss, Texas, March 20. Fryc assumed command of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command from Dickinson during the ceremony the following day.

Soldiers and members of the color guard render honors to Army Brig. Gen. Donald G. Fryc (Left) and Army Brig. Gen. James H. Dickinson (Right) during a change of command ceremony rehearsal at Noel Parade Field on Fort Bliss, Texas, March 20. Fryc assumed command of the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command from Dickinson during the ceremony the following day.

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