The U.S. government has issued a warning regarding an increased likelihood of attacks in Syria during the Eid el-Fitr holiday, which signifies the conclusion of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Eid celebrations in Syria may commence on Sunday, depending on the lunar sighting.

In light of the heightened threat, Syrian authorities have reported the detention of several militant cells over the past weeks. These groups were allegedly plotting attacks in various regions across the country. The security landscape in Syria has been particularly precarious since early December when insurgent factions, notably the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted President Bashar Assad from power.

The U.S. State Department's travel warning specifically highlights that potential attacks may target embassies, international organizations, and public institutions within Damascus, the capital of Syria. The warning underlines the fragility of the security situation in the region, which has been exacerbated by ongoing violence and political instability.

Despite the Islamic State group having been largely defeated in Syria in 2019, it continues to maintain sleeper cells throughout the country. These cells have been responsible for various attacks, particularly in northeastern Syria, an area largely controlled by U.S.-backed Kurdish-led fighters. This ongoing threat poses a significant challenge to security forces and exacerbates an already tense environment.

The situation in Syria remains complex, with multi-faceted impacts on civilian safety and the overall stability of the region. The potential for violence during the Eid el-Fitr holiday adds a layer of concern for both local populations and international stakeholders involved in Syrian affairs.