Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa Faces Islamic State Threats: Turkey and MI6 Coordination Revealed

Turkey and MI6 Coordination Amid Islamic State Threats to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa

The Middle East remains at a delicate turning point, with rising tensions stemming from the ongoing Iran war, regional conflicts, and the fragile stabilization of Syria’s post-Assad government. On March 6, 2026, reports emerged that Turkey’s MIT allegedly requested the British intelligence service MI6 to play a larger role in securing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa amid a resurgence of Islamic State assassination plots. Turkey, however, officially denied that such a request had been made, highlighting the sensitive nature of intelligence operations in the region.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander, now leads Syria’s post-Assad government, tasked with stabilizing a nation of 26 million people after 14 years of civil war, which displaced millions and allowed extremist groups like the Islamic State to establish strongholds. Since taking office, Sharaa has faced repeated threats from militants who view him as a primary obstacle to their resurgence.

Last year, at least five assassination attempts targeted Sharaa and senior cabinet members, all of which were thwarted by Syrian authorities, according to the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. Just last month, Islamic State claimed responsibility for six attacks against Syrian security forces, branding Sharaa as its "number one enemy." These developments have increased anxiety among Syrian, Turkish, and Western officials about the stability of the fragile government.

According to sources familiar with the matter, MIT sought closer collaboration with MI6 to enhance intelligence sharing, technical surveillance, and counter-terrorism operations. A senior Western intelligence source suggested the move might also aim to establish a limited Western presence in Damascus, creating a buffer amid tensions between Turkish and Israeli intelligence agencies. On February 26, 2026, a high-level meeting in Damascus reportedly took place between Britain’s Special Envoy for Syria Ann Snow and Syria’s Deputy Interior Minister Abdulqader Tahan, discussing potential intelligence cooperation and security strategies. However, Syrian officials warned that a physical MI6 presence in the capital would be "highly risky."

The Turkish government, while denying the report, emphasized that MIT maintains strong counter-terrorism cooperation with international intelligence partners but has not formally requested MI6 involvement in Sharaa’s personal protection. Nonetheless, intelligence analysts note that operational details often remain confidential, and unverified reports of collaboration cannot be dismissed outright given the high stakes.

Sharaa’s past affiliations add to the complexity. He was previously a commander in the Al-Nusra Front, linked to Al-Qaeda, but severed ties in 2016 and later unified several Islamist rebel factions to overthrow Assad in late 2024. Today, he positions himself as a stabilizing force, aiming to rebuild Syria’s institutions and prevent a return to sectarian violence.

Recent intelligence reportedly foiled a major plot involving a three-person cell planning a remote-controlled bomb attack in Damascus. MIT’s timely identification of the group enabled Syrian authorities to prevent the attack, highlighting the persistent threat posed by Islamic State and the critical role of coordinated international intelligence.

Experts warn that any harm to Sharaa could trigger severe regional repercussions: renewed civil conflict, sectarian violence, and the resurgence of extremist groups. As such, Turkey, the UK, the US, and other allies continue monitoring Syria’s security closely. The coming months will determine whether international intelligence cooperation strengthens sufficiently to secure Sharaa and Syria’s fragile recovery.