Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa hosted Adm. Charles Bradley Cooper, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), and US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack at the People’s Palace on Friday, highlighting continued cooperation against ISIS and a broader push for regional stability.
The meeting, attended by First Lady Latifa al-Droubi, Susan Cooper, and senior Syrian ministers, marked the highest-level US security visit to Damascus since the fall of Assad in December 2024. Discussions centered on political and military cooperation, integrating armed factions into Syria’s national army, and strategies to maintain stability.
According to the Syrian presidency, the talks took place in “a positive atmosphere” and highlighted “a shared commitment to expanding communication channels between Damascus and Washington at various levels.”
Focus on ISIS Threat
US officials emphasized that defeating ISIS remains a mutual priority. Adm. Cooper and Envoy Barrack thanked President Sharaa for supporting counterterrorism efforts, stressing that dismantling ISIS in Syria reduces the risk of attacks on US soil.
“Cooperation in eliminating the threat of ISIS is a decisive factor in ensuring security for both our nations,” the officials said, according to a statement released by CENCOM. The leaders also agreed to hold future meetings to maintain focus on anti-ISIS operations and to expand coordination aimed at stabilizing Syria and the wider Middle East.
Support for Repatriation Efforts
Cooper and Barrack commended Syria’s assistance in the repatriation of American citizens detained inside the country. They described Damascus’ support as a vital step in ongoing humanitarian and diplomatic efforts.
The US delegation also reiterated its commitment to pursuing negotiations that would see various armed factions incorporated into Syria’s military structure, a process Washington says is essential for consolidating state authority and preventing the resurgence of extremist groups.
Regional Context and International Ties
The visit follows a Russian delegation’s arrival in Damascus earlier in the week, led by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak. Moscow’s talks focused on energy, security and defense ties, demonstrating Syria’s effort to balance international relationships as it consolidates power after Assad’s removal.
President Sharaa, who assumed office last year, revealed in a recent interview that Syria seeks to maintain longstanding ties with Russia while also pursuing strategic cooperation with new partners, including the United States.
Shared Vision for Stability
In its statement, CENTCOM said the meeting reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to “a vision for a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria enjoying peace within and with its neighbors.”
For Damascus, the engagement signals recognition of its role in regional counterterrorism efforts and in shaping the post-Assad political landscape. Both sides confirmed their intent to continue regular dialogue to ensure momentum in the fight against ISIS and in advancing broader stability in the region.
