Overview
- US envoy Tom Barrack says al‑Scharaa is expected to sign Syria’s entry into the US‑led coalition against ISIS during the Washington visit.
- Syria’s interior ministry reported 61 raids against ISIS cells nationwide with 71 arrests and weapons and explosives seized ahead of the trip.
- The United States removed al‑Scharaa from its terror list on Friday after the UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on him a day earlier.
- Media citing diplomats report the US is preparing a military presence near Damascus, a move not yet officially confirmed.
- Rights groups and critics warn about abuses linked to HTS-aligned units and urge safeguards for minorities and accountability as ties normalize.