Islamic State lashes out at Syria’s interim president as 'puppet without a soul,' urges new attacks - AP News
AP News
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Islamic State has issued a fierce verbal attack on Syria’s interim president, branding him a "puppet without a soul" and calling for fresh attacks against Syrian government forces. The group’s propaganda chief released a statement urging its fighters to intensify efforts to weaken the Syrian regime, even as it continues to lose territory. This latest declaration highlights Islamic State's evolving strategy, focusing on terrorism and destabilization rather than establishing a physical caliphate.
The statement comes amid ongoing clashes in Syria, where government forces are pushing to reclaim areas once controlled by Islamic State. Despite losing significant ground, the group remains a potent force, particularly in regions like Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, where it maintains sleeper cells and propaganda networks. By targeting the interim president, who was recognized by the international community after Bashar al-Assad stepped down, Islamic State aims to undermine Syria’s transition process and sow divisions among its allies.
This development underscores the challenges faced by both the Syrian government and the international community in eradicating Islamic State's influence. The group's ability to adapt and issue calls for attacks demonstrates its resilience and intent to remain a destabilizing force in the region. For readers interested in global security, this highlights the ongoing complexities of counterterrorism efforts and the enduring threat posed by extremist groups like Islamic State.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/21/2026