Damascus has foiled two separate plots by the Islamic State (IS) to assassinate Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, Reuters reported, citing two senior officials. Among the sources, a senior Syrian security official and a senior Middle East official said that the plots on Shara’s life had been made and foiled over the past few months. The attacks clearly show the direct threat Shara faces as he tries to consolidate power in Syria, which has been torn apart by 14 years of civil war.

The sources said that one of the plots was centered on a previously announced government matter by Shara. But the sources did not give more details due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Meanwhile, Syria’s Information Ministry declined to comment on the specific plot, citing security reasons. But it said IS continues to pose a real security threat to Syria and the region.
Meanwhile, the ministry told Reuters in a statement that Syria reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its people and fighting all forms of terrorism.
President al-Sharaa will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. The news of the plot came as Syria prepares to join the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State group.
Reuters says Syrian President al-Sharaa came to power in December after Islamist rebel forces led by him ousted then-President Bashar al-Assad.
Since then, he has been working to portray himself as a moderate leader. He hopes the meeting with Trump will open the door to international support for Syria’s long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction.