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Press Release | Sept. 12, 2025

U.S., Syrian Leaders Meet in Damascus

USCENTCOM

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Release Number 20250912-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On Sept. 12, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Adm. Brad Cooper and U.S. Ambassador and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria.

During the meeting, Cooper and Barrack thanked President al-Sharaa for his support to counter ISIS in Syria. Eliminating the ISIS threat in Syria will reduce the risk of an ISIS attack on the U.S. homeland while working towards President Trump's vision of a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.

Cooper and Barrack also offered praise to Syria for supporting the recovery of U.S. citizens inside the country, and committed to continuing efforts that support U.S. goals in the Middle East, including negotiations for the integration of various Syrian armed groups into the new Syrian Government’s military.

The three leaders committed to meeting in the future to ensure both countries remain focused on countering ISIS in Syria.

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