Damascus: Syria and the US declared on Sunday that a deadly ISIS (Daesh) terror attack near Palmyra was an attempt to undermine their emerging bilateral relations, as both nations committed to enhancing cooperation in counterterrorism and regional stability. The announcement followed a phone conversation between Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

According to Anadolu Agency, during the call, the diplomats agreed that the attack was intended to disrupt the newly developing Syrian-US relationship. Shaibani described the attack as a challenge in the fight against terrorism and highlighted the importance of collaboration with international partners, especially the US, to strengthen counterterrorism efforts. He conveyed condolences from President Ahmad al-Sharaa to US President Donald Trump and expressed gratitude for Washington's support.

Rubio confirmed continued US support for the Syrian government, including cooperation on counterterrorism and efforts to bolster stability and economic recovery. The US State Department acknowledged the call and stated that Shaibani reiterated Damascus' commitment to counter the threat of ISIS. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott emphasized that the US would hold accountable those who harm Americans, with Trump pledging significant action against the perpetrators.

US Central Command reported that two US troops and a civilian were killed, and three service members were injured in an ISIS ambush in the Palmyra desert. In response, Syrian authorities initiated a security operation against ISIS cells in the Homs province countryside. US forces are part of an anti-ISIS coalition formed in 2014, with Syria joining the coalition on November 12 this year. Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024, Syria's new administration has been working to restore security and stabilize the country.