Fears are growing over the security situation in Syria as the EU, the US, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan move to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist networks in the region, which could have a spillover effect on the European continent.
The issue was raised at a working party on terrorism, where officials from the EU’s diplomatic arm, the EEAS, told EU diplomats that ISIS carried out 34 attacks in Syria last month alone, warning that the group retains operational capabilities.
Following the withdrawal of Kurdish forces, a major escape of ISIS-linked detainees took place in January 2026 from Syria’s al-Hol camp. US intelligence estimates that 15,000–20,000 individuals, including ISIS affiliates, are currently operating in Syria.
