Overview

• Islamic State said it detonated an improvised explosive device on May 22 targeting a Syrian army vehicle in the al-Safa desert, killing or wounding seven soldiers and a civilian.
• A second bombing claimed this week struck U.S.-backed Free Syrian Army fighters in Sweida province, resulting in one death and three injuries.
• The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed the May 22 attack as the first IS operation against new government forces since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in December.
• Neither Syria’s transitional government nor Free Syrian Army spokespeople have issued any comment on the IS claims.
• Earlier this month in Saudi Arabia, President Trump met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and pledged to lift U.S. sanctions if Damascus expels foreign militants and recognizes Israel.