ISIS threatens new attacks after failed attempts on New Year's Eve
International intelligence detects preparations for suicide operations against celebrations and civilian areas
Members of the security forces stand in front of the Chaldean Cathedral of St. Joseph on the day Christians attend Christmas Mass celebrations at the Chaldean Catholic Church in Aleppo, Syria, on 25 December 2025.
Syrian authorities said on Thursday that they had foiled plans by the Islamic State (ISIS) to carry out suicide attacks on churches and public gatherings during New Year's celebrations, after a suspected jihadist detonated explosives during a clash with security forces in Aleppo.
The Home Ministry reported that the incident occurred on New Year's Eve in the Bab al-Faraj district of Aleppo, where a police officer became suspicious of a man who was later identified as a member of ISIS. During questioning, the suspect opened fire, killing a member of the security forces, before blowing himself up as officers attempted to arrest him. Two other officers were injured in the explosion.
In a statement, the ministry said that intelligence services indicated that ISIS had been preparing suicide operations and attacks against New Year's celebrations in several provinces, particularly in Aleppo, and that churches and civilian gathering places were among the intended targets. It added that security measures had been reinforced throughout the country in response to the threat.
Resurgent ISIS activity
The incident comes amid a resurgence of ISIS attacks in areas controlled by Damascus, raising concerns about the group's ability to exploit Syria's fragile security environment more than a year after the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Last month, ISIS was blamed for an attack in the ancient city of Palmyra that killed two American soldiers and a civilian. Washington responded with air strikes against dozens of ISIS positions across Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least five ISIS members were killed in the strikes.
Since then, Syrian authorities have stepped up counterterrorism operations and on 25 December announced that a senior ISIS leader had been killed during a security raid.
In November, Syria formally joined the US-led coalition fighting ISIS, following President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Washington. Sharaa, an Islamist leader and former jihadist, fought against ISIS during the height of the Syrian civil war, although his past has been scrutinised by Western and regional observers.
The cooperation marks a significant shift in Syria's international stance after years of isolation, although the security situation on the ground remains volatile.
Minority fears and sectarian violence
Despite renewed efforts to combat ISIS, concerns persist among Syria's minority communities, which have borne the brunt of sectarian violence since Assad's overthrow. Civilians from the Alawite community, to which Assad belonged, were killed in mass attacks along the coast in March, while clashes broke out in the Druze-majority province of Sweida in July.
In June, a suicide bombing inside a church in Damascus killed 25 people. Syrian authorities blamed ISIS for the attack, although a little-known Sunni extremist group, Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, claimed responsibility. Analysts have suggested that the group operates as a front for ISIS, allowing it to conceal its direct involvement.
Security experts warn that ISIS remains capable of carrying out high-profile attacks despite suffering territorial defeats, particularly by exploiting sectarian tensions and targeting symbolic targets such as religious institutions.
Thursday's incident, officials said, underscores the continuing threat posed by jihadist networks and the challenges facing Syria's new authorities as they seek to stabilise the country and reassure minorities ahead of sensitive religious and national events.