Syria's Intelligence Chief Highlights Expanded Threats Beyond ISIS and Commitment to Counterterrorism

Hussein Al-Salama, head of Syria’s General Intelligence Directorate, stated that Damascus remains dedicated to leading counterterrorism efforts within its territory according to its national priorities and in compliance with international law.

Speaking on Monday at the fourth conference of heads of counterterrorism agencies held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Al-Salama emphasized Syria’s openness to international cooperation focused on capacity building, information exchange, community support, addressing the issues of camps and detention centers, and cutting off funding and recruitment sources.

He explained that Syria has regained its sovereignty and independent decision-making following liberation, rebuilding its national institutions and restoring its regional and international relations. Al-Salama noted that Syrians are now returning to their country as a safe refuge instead of fleeing across seas out of fear of the former regime’s security apparatus.

Al-Salama described the criminal practices of the previous regime and the international community’s neglect as having created a dangerous turning point that transformed Syria into fertile ground for extremism and terrorism during that period. He added that the current main trajectory focuses on Syria’s transition from crisis management to sustainable decision-making.

He outlined Syria’s clear objectives, starting with protecting Syrian national security, contributing to the security of neighboring countries, and actively engaging in international counterterrorism efforts. Al-Salama stressed the importance of pursuing extremist organizations, drying up their funding sources, and enhancing security, judicial, and intelligence cooperation with international partners.

The intelligence chief underscored that this approach extends beyond security measures to adopt a comprehensive humanitarian perspective that prioritizes justice and simultaneously addresses social and economic challenges.

Al-Salama pointed out that international partners now view Syria as a key partner in regional and international stability, emphasizing the necessity of providing organized and institutionally directed support rather than short-term projects that fail to leave lasting impacts.

He indicated that Syria currently confronts challenges and threats exceeding those posed by ISIS, including cells affiliated with remnants of the Assad regime and others linked to Hezbollah militias. Additionally, Syria faces ongoing Israeli threats aimed at undermining its stability through incursions, bombardments, and arrests targeting civilians in southern Syria.

In his address, Al-Salama called on the international community to offer genuine support to the Syrian people by providing real economic opportunities and reconstruction efforts, urging that words be matched by actions. He affirmed that the stability sought by the world requires sincere engagement with Syria.

Concluding, Al-Salama reaffirmed their determination to make Syria a shining beacon through which its glory, dignity, and historic role in global stability are restored, saying: “Join us to write this history together.”