Syrian Leader al-Sharaa Arrives in Washington for Landmark Visit Following Sanctions Lift
Washington D.C. - Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States this Saturday for a landmark visit, following the lifting of sanctions against him by the United Nations Security Council, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The visit is set to include security talks with President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, and comes after the launch of a large-scale operation against Islamic State cells across Syria.
Lifting of Sanctions
Al-Sharaa, who once led the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) under his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, assumed power after the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad late last year. The UN Security Council voted in favor of a US-drafted resolution to lift sanctions on al-Sharaa and Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab ahead of al-Sharaa's visit to the United States. The resolution was approved by 14 council members, with only China abstaining.
Preemptive Strikes Against ISIS
Before his arrival in the United States, Syria launched a series of preemptive operations targeting Islamic State cells across the country. Syrian security forces carried out 61 raids, resulting in the arrest of 71 people and the seizure of explosives and weapons, the Interior Ministry spokesperson reported to state-run Al Ekhbariya TV.
Landmark Visit and Meeting with Trump
Al-Sharaa's visit to Washington marks a significant shift in diplomatic relations. The Syrian leader, who had once had a $10 million US bounty for his arrest, is set to meet with President Trump for security talks. The two leaders first met in Riyadh during President Trump's regional tour in May. Al-Sharaa's current visit also comes with plans to establish a US military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel.
International Reactions
The international community has been closely watching these developments. Al-Sharaa's visit to the United States, the lifting of sanctions, and Syria's recent preemptive strikes against ISIS cells are all seen as significant steps towards stabilizing the region. However, the abstention of China in the UN Security Council vote to lift sanctions shows a divergence in international perspectives.
Looking Forward
As al-Sharaa settles in for his official visit, the world waits to see the outcome of his meeting with President Trump. The developments in Syria, including the lifting of sanctions and the clampdown on ISIS cells, present a new chapter in the turbulent history of the country. The forthcoming talks between al-Sharaa and Trump are expected to further shed light on future US-Syria relations and the potential for stability in the region.