Islamic State group claims first attack on Syrian government forces since Assad’s fall
apMAY 20
IS Launches First Attacks Under Syria's New Leadership
Above: Members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) escort trucks carrying men, identified as IS fighters who surrendered as they are being transported out of IS's last holdout of Baghouz in Syria's northern Deir Ezzor province, on Feb. 20, 2019. Image copyright: Delil Souleiman/Contributor AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Although IS is no longer the force it once was, it still controls pockets of regions in Syria's vast desert. The latest attacks, after two years of quiet, suggest the group is trying to reassert itself amid weakened state control.
Establishment-critical narrative
While it has been nearly six months since Hayat Tahrir al Sham overthrew the Assad government, the change of rulers in Syria has not lived up to the initial elation, with sectarian violence on the rise and IS appearing to be rearing its head again.